How a Canadian organization is celebrating – and promoting – diversity and inclusion…
An inclusive workplace is one that actively fosters an environment where people are encouraged to bring their unique perspectives, feel safe to contribute, and are appreciated for all aspects of their diversity. From internal operations to the way a company engages with its community, there are many ways an organization can work to become more inclusive – and it’s always an ongoing journey.
Metrolinx began its journey towards diversity and inclusionback in 2012, with its first participation in the Toronto Pride Parade. Since then, the provincial transit agency has launched a number of initiatives as part of its commitment to improving its organizational culture for the LGBTQ+ community.
Metrolinx established Pride 365, an employee resource group (ERG) aimed at giving all of its LGBTQ+ and allied employees a voice, and to enable open and honest conversation about how the company can better support the LGBTQ+ community. Employees can join this resource group to share experiences, discuss workplace issues and make recommendations, fundraise and work together to create a strong and inclusive environment, both for staff and the customers in regions they serve. In recent years, Metrolinx staff have fundraised for Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian charity that helps LGBTQ+ individuals escape violence and persecution in their home countries by providing safe transportation so these individuals can live in freedom in another country (including in Toronto, where the charity helps fund LGBTQ+ newcomers).
Metrolinx also has a robust Inclusion Strategy, which is supported by education, unconscious bias training (including LGBTQ+ awareness), and clear harassment and discrimination policies.
Metrolinx’s Pride 2021 map
This summer, Metrolinx is launching an exciting initiative that will highlight various Pride festivals – big and small – throughout Ontario, showcasing how Metrolinx services can connect us to those Pride festivals (virtually this year, physically for years to come).
Commuters can check out an interactive system map for GO Transit and UP Express that showcases the various Pride festivals taking place in the province. You can find important dates and information as well as the easiest way for you to get there safely (and back) using Metrolinx services.
All companies, large and small, have a responsibility to their employees and their communities to put in the work to not only acknowledge different experiences and points of view, but to celebrate them. Metrolinx has been on an inclusivity journey for the last several years, and it will surely continue to be a fun ride.
For more information on Metrolinx and its Pride 2021 map, visit gotransit.com/pride.
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