Recruitment Ads*

*BRONZE COMMITMENT Add to your job postings: a) an equal opportunity (or ‘pro-diversity’) employer statement, and b) information on how candidates can request accommodations during the recruitment process

Why This Commitment?

Equal Opportunity Employer Statements tell candidates that your workplace values diversity and is working to build a safe and equitable workplace. They invite candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply and request any accommodations they may need during the interview process. They also set a tone and reinforce an inclusive workplace culture.

Equal opportunity employer statements are not sufficient on their own and should not be used without complementary actions in your workplace, but they are a tool to communicate your organization’s values and attract diverse talent.


How To Complete This Commitment (Evaluation Plan)

In January 2024, we’ll ask you to provide copies of two job advertisements you’ve placed in 2023. Your organization will receive credit for this commitment if both advertisements include an equal opportunity employer statement that:

  1. Expresses that your organization values inclusion. As much as possible, the statement should provide further information about how inclusion is protected and practiced in your organization. See Resources for examples.

  2. Invites applications from underrepresented talent pools.

  3. Provides directions on how to request accommodations during the application and hiring process. (To protect applicants’ privacy, it’s best if the contact for accommodation requests not be the hiring manager; a Human Resources contact is ideal).

Your advertisements must include all 3 of the above components to meet 2023 Workplace Inclusion Charter requirements.


Resources

  1. These blog posts offer helpful Dos and Don’ts for EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) or pro-diversity statements:

  2. Draft Equal Opportunity Employer Statement for Bow Valley WIC signatories:

    “[Organization name] is committed to building a workplace where everyone can succeed and belong. As a Signatory to the Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter 2021, we are working on [#] commitments this year to build an even more diverse, equitable, and inclusive team environment. [Add additional information about how your organization advances and protects diversity, equity, and inclusion, specifically related to the hiring process.]

    We value a wide range of skills, experiences, and backgrounds and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are working to eliminate barriers for applicants and team members from equity-seeking groups. If you can’t apply online or need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact…”

  3. Example statements borrowed from public job postings:

    • City of Edmonton: “The City of Edmonton is committed to inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces that represent the communities we serve. We continuously improve our systems, policies and practices to remove barriers and ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourage you to apply. To learn more, see the Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework here: https://bit.ly/3hd2d95.”

    • University of Calgary: “The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.”

    • Alberta Workers Health Centre: “The AWHC strongly encourages people of all backgrounds to apply and strives to engage diverse people in our work at all levels, to ensure all communities within Alberta’s workplaces see themselves reflected in our programming. The AWHC is committed to considering applicants who identify as part of an equity group including workers of colour, Indigenous workers, LGBTQ2S+ workers, woman workers, young workers and workers with disabilities. We encourage members within an equity group, experienced activists, organizers, and labour representatives of all backgrounds to apply.”

    • CIBC: “CIBC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all team members and clients feel like they belong. We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you need accommodation, please contact…”

    • CMHC: “CMHC values diverse backgrounds and experience and welcomes non-Canadians who are eligible to work in Canada to apply!

      We sincerely thank all candidates for their interest, however, please note that only applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted. If selected for an interview or testing, please advise us if you require an accommodation.”

    • Loblaw Companies: “Loblaw recognizes Canada's diversity as a source of national pride and strength. We have made it a priority to reflect our nation’s evolving diversity in the products we sell, the people we hire, and the culture we create in our organization. Accommodation is available upon request for applicants with disabilities in the recruitment and assessment process and when hired.”

    • Chase Hospitality Group: “At [name of business] we do not tolerate any form of discrimination in the workplace, including during the recruitment stages. As such, all applications are viewed by our diverse recruitment team that uses a holistic and equitable approach. [name of business] is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status, Aboriginal/Native American status or any other legally-protected factors. Disability-related accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code And the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act during the application process are available upon request.”

    • Suncor: “We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels valued and respected. We will consider accessibility accommodations to applicants upon request. Check out our social goal to learn how we are working to build greater mutual trust and respect with the Indigenous Peoples in Canada.”

    • Norton Rose Fulbright: “Diversity is an important firm value. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. This means that all job applicants, employees and partners will receive equal treatment regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origins, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief. To apply, please visit the Careers page of our website at… We thank all candidates for their application, but will be contacting only those whom we select to invite for an interview. Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP has an accommodation process in place that provides accommodations for employees with disabilities. If you are unable to apply for a position online or require any further accommodations during our recruitment process, please contact…”

    • Statistics Canada: “Statistics Canada is committed to the principles of diversity and employment equity under the Employment Equity Act, and strives to ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse nature of Canadian society. In support of our strategy to achieve employment equity goals, selection may be limited to candidates self-identifying as belonging to one of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal people, Persons with a Disability and Visible Minorities.”

  4. More recommendations for inclusive career advertising:

  5. Inclusive job boards & employment services:

Supporting Organization: Vecova Centre for All Abilities

For support with this commitment, please contact:

Jennifer McColl
Employment Services Manager
Vecova Centre for All Abilities
inclusiveworkplaces@vecova.ca

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