The Cornwall Police Service, Cornwall Community Hospital, Children’s Aid Society of SDG, Social Development Council of Cornwall and Area, United Way/Centraide SDG, Équipe psycho-sociale de SDG, and the Eastern Ontario Health Unit are extremely proud to announce an innovative initiative with the creation of a community coalition to foster sustainable, meaningful, and authentic structural and community change. 33 local organizations have signed on to be part of the newly created Coalition Communautaire IDEA Community Coalition to put equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-oppression, Truth and Reconciliation at the forefront of their work. Led by the aforementioned agencies, this collaboration aims to spark dialogue, foster discussions, and address systemic barriers to move this work forward.
The 33 participating organizations have endorsed a commitment letter emphasizing the critical role of leadership in supporting a culture that values feedback and embraces opportunities to gain experience from challenges. This commitment letter outlines the initiative’s core values, pillars, and collective effort required to become an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and anti-oppressive community.
The following 5 pillars were selected based on national and global evidence and experiences for achieving substantial change at systemic, behavioral, and cultural levels.
Community Equity: We will collaborate with community organizations and partners to actively support initiatives that promote diversity, equity,inclusion and anti-oppression
Education and Training: We will form a joint working group to identify and implement EDI anti-oppression training opportunities, fostering continuous learning and development in our workplace.
Engagement and Belonging: We will ensure fair and inclusive recruitment, retention, mentorship, performance, and talent management.
Policies and Programs: We will regularly review and assess our policies and practices to eliminate oppressive barriers.
Data Analysis & Reporting: We will track and assess EDI and anti-oppression experiences within our organization.
Committing to these 5 pillars will enhance quality of life, ensure equitable opportunity and strengthen our community's social and economic fabric.
“To truly accomplish our work at the UWC SDG, we must ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need, and that this access is given in a way that is appropriate to them according to their abilities, gender, culture, race, and beliefs. To see so many organizations across our region wanting to truly build a community that is welcoming and considerate for ALL, is inspiring.” Juliette Labossière - Executive Director, United Way/Centraide SDG
The initiative invites organizations to shape the direction of their own EDI and anti-oppression efforts, contribute to positive change, and build a more inclusive workplace and community for everyone.
Participating Organizations:
Agape Centre
Association des communautés francophones de l’Ontario, de Stormont, Dundas et Glengarry
Canadian Mental Health Association Champlain East
Centre de santé communautaire de l'Estrie
Children's Aid Society of SDG
City of Cornwall
Community Living Glengarry
Community Living Stormont
Cornwall Community Hospital
Cornwall Police Service
Diversity Cornwall
Eastern Ontario Health Unit
Eastern Ontario Training Board
Équipe psycho-sociale de SDG
Great River Ontario Health Team
Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital
Inspire Community Support Services
Job Zone d'emploi
Koala Place
Laurencrest Youth Services Inc
Les Amis du Cerf
Maxville Manor
Roy McMurtry Legal Clinic
Seaway Valley Community Health Centre
Sexual Assault Support Services Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne
Social Development Council of Cornwall and Area
St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre
St. Lawrence College
Tri-County Literacy Council
United Way/Centraide SDG
Vista Centre Brain Injury Services
Warm up Cornwall
Youturn Youth Support Services
"We are committed to fostering a community that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and values inclusion. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are excited to see our dedicated group move forward on important issues and continue to grow. Our community is becoming more diverse each day, and amidst these changes, it’s easy to focus on what sets us apart rather than what unites us. Our region is brimming with stories and people that reflect our common humanity, and it’s crucial that together, we create a space that fosters equity and kindness." Farhana Meghji - EDI Coordinator Cornwall Community Hospital and Cornwall Police Service.
This collective commitment to EDI and anti-oppression reflects a shared mission, where organizations work together to implement and uphold these principles in all their endeavors.
You are invited to be part of this movement towards creating a more equitable, diverse, inclusive and anti-oppressive community. Your engagement can help dismantle systemic barriers and build a community where every voice is heard and valued. For more information or to learn how to get involved please contact:
Farhana Meghji - EDI Coordinator
Cornwall Community Hospital and Cornwall Police Services
Phone: (613) 933-5000 x 2604
meghji.f@cornwallpolice.com