The Ontario Pension Board is displaying its support for its LGBTQ2S+ employees and, indeed, the wider community, as some of its workers proudly wave the organization’s banner while marching in Toronto’s Pride Parade this weekend.
Participating in the parade is just one of the ways in which the organization is fostering an inclusive culture in the workplace, said Mark Fuller, its president and chief executive officer, in an email to Benefits Canada.
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“I’m personally looking forward to the opportunity to connect and march alongside our staff and I’m proud to see the breadth of staff, family and friends who have volunteered to take part in the parade to celebrate and show our support for the LGBTQ2S+ communities.”
Every June, the investment organization provides employees with information and resources on how to foster an inclusive workplace, including on the use of inclusive language and pronouns and ways to engage as an ally to those in the community, said Fuller. “We know there is always more work to be done in this area, which includes keeping these best practices top of mind.”
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at the OPB, said Jasmine Kanga, its chief human resources and corporate services officer, in the email. “We understand the importance of continuing to drive progress in making sure 2SLGBTQIA+ staff feel supported at OPB, and that our staff are equipped with the necessary information and knowledge to best serve our diverse client communities.”
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Over the last several years, the OPB has partnered with LGBTQ2S+ community advocacy organization The 519 to offer gender identification and sexual diversity training for all staff and its board of directors. “This training provided information on how to identify and use respectful and affirming language as well as information about the Ontario Human Rights Code and its protections against discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, sex and sexual orientation.”
Last year, the investment organization also partnered with Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada. “This partnership is part of OPB’s ongoing commitment to support the advancement of DEI within our workplace,” she said. “We look forward to our employees joining staff from other private, public and non-profit employers to create safer, more inclusive workplaces that recognize the skills of 2SLGBTQIA+ people through ongoing dialogue, learning and professional development. As part of our commitment, we will continue to explore opportunities to support our staff and clients in the future.”
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