The New Humanity Initiative applauds the Government of Canada’s recent announcement of The 50 – 30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage. This initiative will bring together the federal government with corporate partners, community organizations, equity-seeking groups, and expert researchers to advance gender equity and diversity in leadership across Canada by helping to accelerate diversity strategies already underway and assisting other organizations in improving practices. Building consensus on equitable outcomes and lasting transformation that centres our humanity – and the roles we play in everyday life – personal, professional, social and recreational, our R.A.C.E.S. Model™ for Change, utilizes engagement, evidence and best practices; we are excited to be one of the adopt this initiative and encourage your organization to be as well. 

The challenge is rooted in two aspirations over time – Gender Parity ("50%") and Significant Representation ("30%") of other under-represented groups (racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ2 community) on Canadian Board(s) and senior management. The challenge will use differentiated approaches to measure progress and targets recognizing the unique needs of various sectors, organization types and sizes as well as offering a range of supports for the specific needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Regardless of where you are on your diversity and inclusion journey, you can signal your commitment to moving forward by joining the challenge. While it is not a magic solution, organizations have shown that harnessing diversity and inclusion has enabled them to attract the best and the brightest, develop new products and services, access new markets, drive innovation, support engagement and performance and mitigate risk. By encouraging organizations to examine their practices, and explore innovative approaches to advancing diversity and inclusion, the Challenge is well-aligned with The New Humanity Initiative’s ongoing work and we are committed to providing support.