The first important distinction to make in our understanding of diversity is the difference between Equity and Equality. Although, we often hear these terms used interchangeably, they do have distinct meanings and implications. While equity refers to treating people fairly, equality means that we treat all people in the same way. Diversity by its very nature means recognizing differences. Therefore, if we treat everyone in the same way, we are not necessarily acknowledging the differences and the distinct needs of our employees; thus, diversity demands equity.

Compliance driven terms, are legislatively mandated and form the foundation of all the subsequent terminology and work which is being done in the field. Employment Equity (EE) describes a distinct Canadian legislation for achieving equality in all aspects of employment; it aims to remove systemic barriers in the workplace for four groups of people: Aboriginal peoples, women, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. It is a holistic compliance approach, and encourages widespread organizational change focusing on training, promotion, and an organizational climate of equity.

Employment Equity is something all Canadians can be proud of, as this model is widely acknowledged around the world as progressive legislation. It helps espouse our Canadian value of a universal respect for human rights. Canadian employment equity legislation has influenced similar legislation in South Africa, New Zealand and Northern Ireland.

Affirmative Action (AA) is also a compliance-driven tool for the correction of past discrimination and the removal of systemic barriers, which arose from the historical segregation of the African-American population in the United States. As opposed to EE, the AA model focuses on getting “the numbers” from highly targeted hiring. It has evolved from its history to include a broader target base, and bans discriminating on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, national origin, and physical capability. Second, it places pressure down through the supply chain by allowing the government to favour women-owned and minority-owned businesses when awarding contracts, and to reject bids from businesses that do not make good faith efforts to include minority-owned businesses among their subcontractors.

India also uses an AA model called “Reservation” to correct historical inequity arising from its caste system whereby a percentage of places in government-funded academic institutions and parliament, as well as of government jobs, is “reserved” for members of disadvantaged groups.

Multiculturalism most commonly refers to advocating or encouraging the integration of people of different countries, ethnic groups, and religions into all areas of society. In 1971, Canada was the first country in the world to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy. By so doing, Canada affirmed the value and dignity of all Canadian citizens regardless of their racial or ethnic origins, their language, or their religious affiliation. Canadian multiculturalism has led to higher rates of naturalization than ever before. With less pressure to assimilate and give up their culture, immigrants freely choose their new citizenship because they want to be Canadians.

Pluralism embraces and expands on multiculturalism. Definitions of pluralism include the existence of groups with different ethnic, religious, or political backgrounds within one society. The term is also used to describe a social policy or theory that minority groups within a society should maintain cultural differences, but share overall political and economic power in a society.

Diversity is a broader term, referring to the individuality or uniqueness of people, distinguished by visible and non-visible characteristics, or all the ways in which we differ. It is often thought that the term diversity includes only the prohibited grounds for discrimination which are protected by law in Canada, namely: race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital or partnership status, family status, physical or mental disability. A more progressive understanding of diversity will include and consider the above compliance dimensions as well as others such as economic class, education, geographic location, language, life experience, values, management status, profession, work experience, work group, work location, and work style, to name a few.

The newest word in the diversity field is Inclusion – the state of being included as a part of a whole or group. Inclusion moves beyond simply acknowledging our differences, to welcoming and embracing them. A simple way to conceptualize the difference between the last two terms is as follows: Diversity is getting the mix; Inclusion is getting the mix to work well together.

An inclusive workplace is one wherein diversity is valued and where all employees have equal opportunities to learn, develop, and be maximally productive. Benefits of inclusion for an organization include:

• A broader pool of skills, talents and perspectives to leverage for problem-solving, brainstorming and creative endeavours
• Improved employee engagement across the organization, as everyone feels their contribution and identity is valued
• Better partnerships, cooperation, and productivity from diverse teams

Equity protects,

Diversity reflects,

Inclusion respects.

August 22^nd - September 21^st Ramadan - Islam
One of the Pillars of Islam begins and lasts until September 21. This is the holiest time of the Islamic Year. Muslims fast between dawn and sunset for the entire month; a time of abstinence and contemplation. Note: The date is accurate within a range of -/+ 1 day, because it is subject to local sightings of the moon.

September 19^th Rosh Hashanah - Judaism
Jewish New Year; anniversary of the creation of the world; symbols of this holiday are apples and honey for a sweet new year. Note: All Jewish holidays begin the day before at sundown.

September 28^th Yom Kippur - Judaism
The Day of Atonement is the holiest of all days in the Jewish Year, with fasting and prayer. Note: All Jewish holidays begin the day before at sundown.

October 17^th Diwali - Hinduism
Festival of Lights; happiest festival of the Hindu calendar; at night, countless oil lamps are lit to guide Rama on his way home from his period of exile.