Published date: February 20, 2025
From introducing a “Diversity and Inclusion Days of Significance” calendar to participating in last year’s Pride Parade, OPWA’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee achieved major milestones in 2024. Here’s a recap of our initiatives that are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse public works sector in Ontario.
2024 EDI Seminar: Building Inclusive Workplaces Conference
The Building Inclusive Workplaces conference was one of the highlights of 2024, drawing over 60 attendees passionate about advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in public works. The conference featured:
- Discussions on Welcoming New Canadians to Workplaces and Inclusive Leadership
- Presentations from Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) who have navigated employment in public works
- Speakers who discussed advancing EDI for long-lasting change, embracing immigrant talent, and the importance of inclusive leadership in Canada
- A panel discussion on innovative employer approaches to attract internationally educated professionals in public works
- A presentation about 2SLGBTQIA+ resources and networking activities to engage and connect attendees through the OPWA EDI conference
OPWA Pride March
On June 30, 2024, OPWA officially participated in its first Pride Parade. Twenty-five members proudly marched under the OPWA banner wearing specially designed Pride t-shirts. OPWA President Jennifer Rose delivered a heartfelt speech, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Feedback from OPWA participants highlighted the importance of demonstrating that public works is an inclusive space for everyone.
Honouring Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The EDI Committee’s commitment to reconciliation took a significant step forward in 2024 with the addition of Jeremiah Nahwegahbow, an Indigenous representative, in March. The committee’s efforts focused on:
- Promoting awareness through the “Diversity and Inclusion Days of Significance” calendar.
- Exploring training opportunities to enhance members’ understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
These initiatives underline OPWA’s dedication to advancing Truth and Reconciliation within the public works sector.
Young Professionals Committee Collaboration
The Young Professionals (YP) Committee actively joined the EDI Committee in advancing key initiatives throughout 2024. Fariha Mannan’s efforts as the EDI Committee ambassador to the YP Committee encouraged YP participation in several EDI Committee initiatives, including the Toronto Pride Parade and Building Inclusive Workplaces conference.
Looking ahead, the YP and EDI Committees are looking at opportunities for cross-committee involvement to further strengthen EDI efforts across OPWA.
Connecting and Integrating Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs)
In 2024, the EDI Committee launched an initiative to support IEPs in public works. Key developments included:
- Key recommendations from the report Attracting Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) in Public Works in Ontario, prepared by Indra Maharjan, updated July 2024.
- Draft agreements have been established with Humber College and the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council to enhance bridging programs focused on public works.
- The creation of a mentorship program to connect IEPs and Young Professionals with seasoned leaders in the public works field to support education and bridging programs that focus on public works.
- The development of a mentorship program to support IEPs and YPs to better their workplace communication, technical skills, and sectoral knowledge.
This initiative reflects OPWA’s commitment to broadening access and creating pathways for IEPs to thrive in the industry.
Public Works Outreach to Schools
During National Public Works Week (May 19-25, 2024), OPWA launched an outreach initiative aimed at inspiring students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in public works. A small network of representatives from five municipalities worked with the EDI Committee on developing an annual outreach program. EDI Committee members and community members volunteered to make this initiative a success, arranging presentations:
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- Ottawa Councillor Jeff Leiper assisted in arranging a presentation to grade 6 students at Connaught Public School, given by OPWA’s Hiran Sandanayake titled Public Works Careers in Ottawa.
- OPWA’s Jason Chan and Siva Kanagananthan hosted presentations at Middlefield Collegiate Institute in York Region
- Why Not You – The Role of a Municipality Within Public Works, presented by Tushar Patel, Manager of Operations Planning and Support from York Region.
- My Career Path – The Role of a Consultant Within Public Works, presented by Dania Chehab, Project Manager, Water & Wastewater from R.V. Anderson Associates Ltd.
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- OPWA Vice-President Marco Bertoia arranged a presentation by City of Toronto Public Works staff at West Humber Collegiate Institute in Toronto
This outreach program was designed to highlight the diverse career opportunities in public works and encourage the next generation of talent to join the industry. Students in attendance gave positive comments. Looking into 2025 and beyond, OPWA’s DEI committee plans to expand the school outreach program to more schools across Ontario.