Wayne Emmerson
Chairman & CEO, York Region
Erin Mahoney
Chief Administrative Officer, York Region
Embracing diversity as a strength, York Region unveils a comprehensive plan to foster equity and inclusion, setting the stage for a united community that celebrates its rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. Explore the initiatives driving positive change and the collective effort to build a brighter, more harmonious future for all residents.
The Regional Municipality of York is an award-winning public-sector organization dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone to live, work and do business. Stretching north from Toronto to the shores of Lake Simcoe, York Region is comprised of nine local cities and towns and provides 15 core services to more than 1.2 million residents.
In 2023, The Regional Municipality of York celebrated its 5th anniversary of endorsing the Inclusion Charter for York Region. The Inclusion Charter is a community initiative bringing together more than 30 businesses, community organizations, municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies with a shared commitment to create inclusive environments.
“York Region is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. “We celebrate our growing and diverse population as a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity. Our commitment to inclusion enhances our ongoing work to attract and retain the best talent, promote innovation and provide an excellent customer experience.”
York Region is located on the traditional territories of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Huron-Wendat and Métis Peoples and the treaty territories of the Haudenosaunee, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Williams Treaties First Nations. The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation is our closest First Nation community.
York Region recently welcomed a Lead, Indigenous Relations Advisor position as part of their existing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) team.
We celebrate our growing and diverse population as a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity.
“This is a step on a journey very important to York Region,” said York Region Chief Administrative Officer, Erin Mahoney. “Working with First Nations Peoples and communities is essential, especially in advancing truth and reconciliation with First Nations and responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report’s Calls to Action.” In addition to leading the Region’s internal policy and program implementation for Indigenous engagement, relations and education, this position provides thought leadership to advance the vision of the Region as a strong, caring, and safe community.
Fostering belonging in its workplace
York Region is rooting our actions in the Nothing About Us Without Us principle, which recognizes equity-deserving groups know what is best for them and their community and must be valued as integral and essential contributors and drivers of activities and communications about them.
“We introduced Communities of Belonging — employee resource groups — to support the coming together of employees around a shared characteristic to create internal supports, inform organizational actions and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment, while providing all employees an avenue to learn more about diverse groups,” said York Region Chief Administrative Officer, Erin Mahoney.
York Region currently has Communities of Belonging for Black Staff, Indigenous Staff, Staff with Disabilities, Jewish Staff, 2SLGBTQI+ Staff, Muslim Staff, Staff of Tamil Heritage and Hindu Staff.
The next chapter
The evolution in York Region’s journey continues. From building a solid foundation to embedding IDEA in all actions, York Region is steadfast in fostering a workplace valuing respecting and embracing diversity. This way everyone can achieve their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
To learn more, visit york.ca/inclusiveyr.
