Diversity Archives - Page 6 of 8

Speech: Amendments to Bill C-25, An Act to Amend the Canada Business Corporations Act and Other Acts

Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada February 8, 2018 Bill C-25, Chamber Speeches, corporate governance, Diversity, employment equity

As I have said repeatedly, I think of Bill C-25 as a soft tap on the shoulder. This amendment that Senator Massicotte has proposed is a nudge in the right direction. It’s an intentional nudge, so that we can get beyond aspiration — and I commend the aspiration and the intention in this bill — and take it to concrete action.

Senators push for stronger legislation for boosting diversity on boards

Joanna Smith The Canadian Press January 31, 2018 Bill C-25, Diversity

Omidvar said she was glad to see the Liberal government agree to earlier changes that would involve including a clear definition of diversity -- using the Employment Equity Act as a guide -- in the regulations that will follow the legislation. That said, Bill C-25 could still be stronger, she said.

‘Good people of the world unite.’ How can we win the fight for tolerance?

Laura Oliver World Economic Forum January 23, 2018 Diversity, immigration, refugees, World Economic Forum

Leading thinkers, activists and politicians shared their thoughts on the fight for more inclusive growth and greater social inclusion, during several Davos sessions focused on tolerance, racism and LGBT reforms.

How the federal government is slowly becoming as diverse as Canada

Aaron Wherry CBC News December 29, 2017 Andrew Griffith, Diversity, government appointments

"It is crucial that the government tracks, measures and reports on diversity in all areas," says Sen. Ratna Omidvar, the founding director of Ryerson's Global Diversity Exchange. "By doing so, we are able to see where we are making progress and where we need to improve."

OPINION: Why Ottawa needs to nudge Canada’s boards toward greater diversity

Ratna Omidvar and Paul Massicotte Globe and Mail December 13, 2017 Bill C-25, Diversity, Opinions, Senator Paul Massicotte

The term "diversity" is not defined in Bill C-25. When diversity is left undefined, even on the most basic level, as we saw in the United States, it loses its emphasis. It becomes experiential rather than identity-based. Given the myriad interpretations possible, the term risks being diluted beyond recognition, with very little accountability in place.

Speech: C-25 – An Act to Amend the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Canada Cooperatives Act, the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, and the Competition Act

Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada October 25, 2017 Bill C-25, Chamber Speeches, corporate governance, Diversity, employment equity

I believe that setting and changing regulations happen in a vacuum, with very little oversight from Parliament. Once we approve legislation and it is given Royal Assent, it leaves our influence. It is open to change, reinterpretation, redefinition, as the government of the day likes.

WATCH: Race, Identity and Citizenship at Canada 150 | CSALC’s 30th Anniversary, Toronto ON

Ratna Omidvar Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic October 10, 2017 Avvy Go, Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic, Citizenship, Debbie Douglas, Diversity, Keynotes and Panels, Renu Mandhane, Susan Eng, video

Last October, Senator Ratna Omidvar joined the Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic’s to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Watch the panel discussionon the topics of race, identity and citizenship.

WATCH: Living Together, Right to the City – How to Build Inclusive Cities | 12th Annual Metropolis World Congress

Ratna Omidvar Senate of Canada August 29, 2017 cities, Diversity, inclusion, Keynotes and Panels, video

Diversity and inclusion are not the same. One is a demographic reality; the other is a process that leads to equity and equality of opportunity, regardless of when and where you came from. Diversity is a demographic accident. Inclusion is what you do with it.

Us&Them: Diversity, Division and a World of Difference

Respect for Diversity and Inclusion of Migrants in Germany

Government of Canada Eyes Abroad - Government of Canada August 14, 2017 Diversity, Germany, Keynotes and Panels, refugees

In a frank and candid address, Senator Omidvar emphasized that diversity and pluralism are Canada’s strengths. While acknowledging that racism and discrimination continue to exist, she explained that the particular history, geography, and immigration policies of Canada have made it a place where difference is more accommodated.

Us and Them: Difference, Diversity and a World of Difference – Embassy of Canada to Germany

Ratna Omidvar Laurier Institute July 25, 2017 Citizenship, Diversity, immigrants, Keynotes and Panels, migration, multiculturalism, refugees

This piece is based on a speech delivered by Senator Ratna Omidvar on April 26 2017, titled “Us and Them: Difference, Diversity and a World of Difference,” to an audience at the Embassy of Canada to Germany in Berlin.