Canada has been introducing significant changes to employee benefits in 2024, with new regulations aimed at expanding coverage, increasing employer responsibilities, and providing greater flexibility for employees.
These reforms are designed to enhance the overall well-being of the workforce by focusing on preventive care and personalized health support.
Benchmark Benefit promotes businesses to navigate these changes effectively. Our team is ready to guide you through the upcoming reforms, ensuring your benefits strategy is compliant and aligned with the latest best practices. Stay informed and prepared as these changes take effect.
At Benchmark, we value organizations that support the overall wellness of their communities. In this special Community Spotlight, we’re excited to feature the amazing Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).
Their mission is to create an equitable and just society, where everyone has equal access to opportunities.
Through their affiliation with over 700 organizations across industries, they support workplaces, schools, and communities in building inclusive environments. Whether it’s offering toolkits and resource guides, or launching initiatives like the ‘See Different’ program, their work makes a tangible impact.
In a time when diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), are more critical than ever, CCDI is at the forefront, delivering certifications, research, and learning opportunities that activate change.
The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) is a national charity established in 2013 with the mandate of building a more inclusive Canada. We envision a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. Following our vision to build an inclusive Canada for all, we have over 700 Employer affiliates from a wide range of industries, and we work with thought leaders across Canada to educate Canadians and workplaces about
DEIA. Learn more about our affiliates HERE. At CCDI, we support the 700+ Employer affiliates in building more inclusive
organizations. We do this by:
- Convening employers and individuals to come together in conversation on leading practices that support inclusion.
- Exploring new and existing research,
- Building toolkits on a variety of topics to support workplaces across Canada
- Hosting community of practice events that explore practical and applicable
- strategies, individuals can bring back to their workplaces and beyond!
- CCDI does offer toolkits and resource guides on different topics for free on our website:
- Resources HERE , and Toolkits HERE
We believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice are essential for building strong and healthy workplaces, schools and communities. We are committed to advocating for these values through education, training and action.3. What have been the biggest impacts/outcomes on the community you serve?
By promoting understanding and inclusivity, CCDI strives to create a more equitable and just society for all.
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is ever-evolving, and one must be nimble and willing to make adjustments as needed. When we started, our focus was primarily on bringing DEIA to employers in the workplace.
- Over the years, in addition to organizations, we have expanded this to include schools and communities.
- We have created a program called See Different, a national youth education initiative with a mission to empower youth across Canada by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to make meaningful change in their communities.
- We also created the Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional TM (CCIP) program, the inaugural and sought-after certification process designed for DEIA professionals practicing in Canada to obtain formal and standardized recognition of their knowledge, skills and experience in the diversity, equity, and inclusion field.
- CCDI has developed a one-of-a-kind glossary of terms. This comprehensive glossary aims to provide a reference for anyone interested in the terminology used within diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). This essential resource has been widely downloaded and cited by many organizations, including the Government of Canada, Universities, school boards, financial organizations, and many others.
- In early 2020, CCDI grew very fast due to a market demand from new employers looking for DEIA experts to help them become more equitable and inclusive. CCDI had to grow quickly to meet the demand. Over the years, we have built our team and capacity to respond to the need to educate workplaces, schools and communities on DEIA.
- In addition, due to the growing polarization and national discourse around the value and effectiveness of DEIA, CCDI has been creating learning events and community of practice sessions to support employers to unpack their role in sustaining DEIA efforts in spite of pushback. The work of DEIA in the workplace is more important than ever, and we continue to adapt and respond to meet the evolving needs.
- We will continue to provide learning opportunities and thought leadership on DEIA to support workplaces, schools, and communities to activate change.
- We are sharing the story of CCDI and growing our Employer Partner base in new markets and new industries.
- We are partnering with organizations that share our vision of a more inclusive Canada on research and programs, as well as collaboratively addressing the ever-evolving landscape of DEIA.
- We are developing robust and thorough research on DEIA topics both internally and with the support of our generous sponsors.
- Expanding the See Different program:
- Implementation of youth education level 1 and 2 certificate programs, virtually and in-person, in both English and French
- Roll out of the National Youth Ambassadors Network
- Deployment of the Changemaker grant program, support emerging youth leaders in implementing DEI-focused community projects