Top DEI Achievements in 2021
As 2021 comes to a close, we reflect on the monumental shifts around the world in the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) space. For many, 2021 was a year of distress and reflection – from the continuing Canadian residential school grave discoveries, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, to the outrage following George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery’s murders that fuelled global commitments to fight bias, break down barriers to discrimination, and commit to becoming better allies.
As we reflect on the many achievements below made around the world in the DEI space, we also continue to recognize the opportunities for progress that still remain.
February
The CHRT released decisions awarding compensation to First Nations children and certain family members who: “were affected by discriminatory conduct within child and family services on reserve, such as First Nations children who were removed from their home on reserve” or “did not receive services or experienced unreasonable delays due to the previous narrow interpretation of Jordan’s Principle.”
March
Task Force on Women in the Economy
Equality-seeking organizations called for a feminist pandemic recovery in response to increased gender-based violence with the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, Canada launched a Task Force on Women and the Economy to help address the unique and disproportionate economic barriers women face.
Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform
The Canadian Alliance for Sex Work Law Reform filed suit in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeking to fight Canada’s laws criminalizing sex work, claiming these laws violate sex workers’ constitutional rights.
June
2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan
A National Action Plan was released which identifies ways that all levels of government and communities can take to address the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.
This was in response to the Report on Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, “Reclaiming Power and Place” and “Métis Perspectives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2S+ People.”
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act
On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act received Royal Assent and immediately came into force.
The act affirms the human rights of Indigenous Peoples and provides a roadmap to advance reconciliation.
July
Despite the Quebec government not recognizing or acknowledging systemic racism towards Indigenous Peoples, the Order of Nurses of Quebec recognized on July 14, 2021, the existence of systemic racism against Indigenous Peoples within health and social services networks.
August
Federal Pay Equity Act (“the Act”) comes into effect
The Federal Pay Equity Act (“the Act”) came into effect on August 31st to ensure equal pay for work of equal value. The law aims to promote gender equality, close the gender wage gap and contribute to greater equity and inclusion in Canada. This law also requires every federally regulated employer to create and report on a pay equity plan.
September
First Government Recognized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
For the first time, September 30th, 2021, was a federal statutory holiday to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It was announced as an opportunity to recognize and reflect upon to take action on the legacy of residential schools and their harmful impacts on Indigenous Peoples.
“Shang-Chi” released: Marvel’s first Asian superhero
The release of Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was the first big-budget American blockbuster to include an Asian superhero.
October
Jyoti Gondek becomes Calgary’s first woman mayor
Gondek made history by being elected as the first woman (and woman of colour) mayor of Calgary.
November
Lauren Ridloff: Marvel’s First Deaf Superhero
With “Eternals”, Lauren Ridloff created history by becoming the first deaf actor ever to portray a superhero in a Marvel feature film.
December
Canada criminalizes conversion therapy
Legislation that makes it illegal to provide, promote and profit off conversion therapy was officially approved in Canada. Conversion therapy is a cruel, dangerous, damaging and ineffective practice that targets LGBTQIA2S+ youth and seeks to change their sexual or gender identities.