This has been a time of deep reflection for us. With the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, and the circulating videos of harassment over the past few weeks, a spotlight has been shone on the injustices faced by Black people in America, and it has illuminated the racism that the Black community also endures in Canada and across the world.
The calls for justice have been resounding, and as an organization striving to live our purpose, we could not stay silent.
We are making progress on our commitment to inclusion and diversity through our organization, but like society at large, we haven’t been doing enough. These are some steps we’re taking:
- We are highlighting and contributing to Black community organizations, matching employee donations through our SunCares giving program.
- In consultation with our employees and employee-led workplace inclusion networks, we are encouraging the development of events and initiatives that elevate Black voices and offer listening and learning opportunities in our organization, starting with our first virtual forum in June.
- As we review our inclusion and diversity strategy, which is focused on inclusion for women and Indigenous peoples, and most recently the LGBT+ community, we will expand our consultation process to ensure a more active involvement of Black and visible minority communities.
- All our leaders are expected to take unconscious bias training, and as outlined in our Leadership Imperative, are accountable to create an inclusive and respectful workplace. We are expanding the resources and tools available to employees to build awareness and drive allyship.
These initial actions are part of our long-term commitment to listen, understand, learn, grow and support. The recent tragedies strengthen our conviction to continue this important work.
Mark Little
President & CEO
