Minister Ambrose recognizes excellence in promoting diversity at the Royal Bank of Canada

Talking points
for
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Labour
Visit at the Royal Bank of Canada
Toronto, Ontario
April 7, 2009

Check against delivery

Good morning.  Thank you Mrs. Hirji for the introduction.

The open, pluralistic society that we enjoy here in Canada today is not an accident or some recent innovation.  It is a product of our country’s history and values rooted in that history.

A history of accommodating and celebrating differences in culture, language and religion.

A constitutional framework for Aboriginal rights, minority rights and religious freedom that is our responsibility to maintain.

And an abiding belief in values like liberty, human dignity and freedom of conscience.

But as we look to the future, we cannot, and must not, take for granted the success of Canada’s pluralism.

Today, as we maintain historically high levels of immigration, and as cities like Toronto become even more diverse, we must continue to act deliberately to maintain strong social cohesion.

Inclusive workplaces are central to a productive economy and a cohesive society.  Workplaces should reflect the increasing diversity of Canada, in order to ensure that the talents of all workers can be fully developed and can contribute to our shared prosperity. 

In an increasingly knowledge-based and human resource-focused economy, the supply of skilled workers is one of the most critical factors for Canada’s productivity.  In addition, in challenging economic times, it is critical to utilize the talents and skills of all Canadians to the fullest.

And that is why I am proud to be here today to personally commend you, the Royal Bank of Canada, for your leadership, efforts and successes in building a welcoming and inclusive workplace.

Your leadership in promoting diversity has made you here at the Royal Bank of Canada a model for employers in Canada.

I think it is important for us to recognize good role models in our society and emphasize your contributions to Canada’s future. 

I would like to take this opportunity to applaud your organization for obtaining perfect marks in the 2007 Employment Equity Annual Report for the representation of members of visible minorities and Aboriginal peoples within your workforce.

Furthermore, the Royal Bank of Canada has been recognized for working towards a workforce that reflects Canada’s diversity:

  • by maintaining a diversity leadership council which reviews the bank’s diversity initiatives
  • by recruiting persons with disabilities and Aboriginal peoples through a special diversity recruitment program and
  • by operating employee resource groups for Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities.

Canada’s government is committed to working towards workplaces that are fair, safe, and productive.  Individuals should be able to get jobs and promotions based on their abilities, free from discrimination.  

As Minister of Labour, I’m proud to say that the Government of Canada is successfully implementing the Racism-Free Workplace Strategy, which is a key component of the Government’s A Canada for All: Canada’s Action Plan Against Racism. 

This strategy aims at ensuring that Canadian workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve in a productive and inclusive workplace.   

To promote the Racism-Free Workplace Strategy, the Labour Program has designed a special new look that will identify all products to assist in implementation.  Products identified with this look are aimed at assisting workplace partners to remove barriers faced by racial groups, and to promote equality. I’m very happy to unveil this new look to you today.

Conclusion

As Canadians, we can all be proud of what we have achieved together so far in helping to address workplace barriers. But more work needs to be done. And it is not just up to government to step up and take action. Each and everyone of us must work towards a racism-free workplace. Working together, we can make a difference.

And before I conclude today, I would like to present you, Mr. Lewis, with this certificate to commend the Royal Bank of Canada for your outstanding leadership in promoting diversity, and for your ongoing commitment to building a racism-free workplace.

Congratulations!

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Date Modified:
2009-04-07