news

Cranbrook, BC (January 24, 2023) – Identifying and changing inequitable systems in the community, while attracting and retaining a diverse workforce reflective of Cranbrook is behind the launch of the City’s new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program.

The program is designed to provide a framework to support an organizational culture that recognizes the dignity and worth of all people and guide improvements to both access and equity of services for all residents and visitors.

“Cranbrook is home to people that reflect diversity through race, age, religion, gender identity, physical and mental abilities and place of origin, along with many other facets of life,” says Ndaba Dube, Director of Human Resources with the City of Cranbrook. “Cranbrook values the contributions of everyone that calls this place home, and this program is going to help guide improvements across the community for all.”

Creation of this program follows the Accessible British Columbia Act, which came into law in June 2021. In July 2022, Council adopted the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy 50-15, which provided the foundation for this program.  This policy also aligns each City department’s procedures to ensure a safe, respectful, inclusive, and sustainable community and workplace.

In the coming weeks, the City will begin the process of communicating and engaging with the community and organizations for input, while identifying key stakeholders and forming a ‘Project Team’ to help guide this program.

Coming up later in 2023, there will be opportunities for the community to participate in this important process. The City will be opening a web form where individuals and groups can answer a few quick questions and sign up for information and updates on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program.  You can find the form, along with more information about this initiative on our website at www.cranbrook.ca/diversity.