Commentary
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have existed in one form or another for decades. They were predominantly applied in public institutions, but a surge of private sector participation in programs came about in 2020 after the death of George Floyd and the advent of Black Lives Matter. Alberta’s government is acting to remove DEI policies, and it may be a trendsetter for the country. Public institutions are lagging, but are following the private sector in backing away from entrenched DEI policies.
In July 2020, financier Wes Hall launched the BlackNorth Initiative. Hundreds of major Canadian companies, banks, insurers, and non-profits quickly signed on (nearly 500 within months), pledging specific actions such as increasing black representation in leadership, anti-racism education, and data collection. Many firms expanded or created DEI/EDI teams, mandatory training, hiring goals, and public reporting around this period. No company wanted to appear insensitive or intolerant during a period of racial tension….