The flag of the Blackfoot Confederacy is permanently raised at Lethbridge College in 2017. (Lethbridge College)

By David Opinko

U of L & College each get $400K for diversity and inclusion initiatives

Mar 12, 2021 | 10:19 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge’s two largest post-secondary schools are receiving funding to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Coming from the federal government’s EDI Institutional Capacity-Building Grant, Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge will try to identify and overcome systemic barriers that impede the career advancement, recruitment, and retention of under-represented and “equity-deserving groups.”

“When we have diverse voices and thoughts, we get more impactful results in science and research,” says François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. “That’s why we are taking action to make sure that everyone has access to equal opportunities, treatment, and recognition in the Canadian academic world. I applaud the work of Canada’s institutions to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and eagerly await the positive changes this will bring to the health, well-being, and success of Canadians.”

The U of L is currently in the process of hiring its first Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), who will create policies, procedures, programs, events, and interventions to advance EDI.

“We’re very pleased the granting agencies recognized the progress we’ve made towards enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the University community and our plans moving forward,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor. “Our success is dependent on how well we include, value, and engage a diversity of students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni.”

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Lethbridge College will also hire an EDI strategist and form an EDI committee who will create a long-term strategy.

“This is a monumental grant that will help ensure our college community is inclusive to all,” says Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President, and CEO. “With this grant, we will be able to build on the inclusive work already underway in our college. Our community is at its strongest when people with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences have an equal opportunity to thrive.”

12 post-secondary institutions across the country are receiving funding from the EDI Institutional Capacity-Building Grant. A total of nearly $4.8-million is being dolled out.