[Report] Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Backlash? What Canadian Workers Really Think

Over the past year, a great deal of media attention has focused on the backlash to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), especially as a result of major court decisions and policy shifts in the U.S. As a result, some businesses have scaled back or renamed their EDI efforts, while others have stood their ground. The spillover effects in Canada have been apparent, with opposition suggesting that equity is undermining merit alongside rising anti-immigration sentiment.

However, the case for EDI remains unchanged — Canada’s population is increasingly diverse, and the business case for inclusion is as strong as ever. Expanding the talent pool, responding to changing markets, building relationships with new trading partners and driving innovation continue to be linked to effective EDI strategies. Canada’s foundational Charter of Rights and Freedoms and other legal frameworks and jurisprudence mean that organizations increase legal, financial and reputational risk by backsliding on EDI commitments.

There has been limited data about how Canadian workers themselves feel about increased EDI workplace scrutiny and backlash. The results from the most recent round of the Survey on Employment and Skills reveal that, despite some vocal opposition, most Canadians view EDI measures in the workplace positively. The survey results show strong support among equity-deserving groups, younger workers and those with positive job experiences.

Key findings include:

• 54% of Canadian workers view EDI efforts in the workplace positively
• 47% of Canadian workers say that their employer’s approach to EDI is having a positive impact on their work opportunities
• Most respondents in the private, public and non-profit sectors report that EDI initiatives have had either a positive or neutral effect on their own opportunities
• Support for EDI is strongest in the non-profit sector, where 69% view EDI positively

Read the full report to find out more about the broad-based support for EDI in Canada.