Equity & Anti-Discrimination Policy

Rationale

The Canadian Network for Arts & Learning (CNAL) is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities.  In accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act, CNAL actively opposes any discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion or creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, physical or mental health disability, linguistic background, social class, receipt of public assistance, and conviction of an offense for which a pardon has been granted.

Guiding Principles

CNAL recognizes equity as both a principle and process through which fair conditions for all persons to fully participate are promoted. Further, while all people have the right to be treated equally, not all experience equal access to resources, opportunities, or benefits. CNAL aims to promote fair conditions for all persons to fully participate in our events and access our communications and resources.  CNAL aims to advances these guiding principles of equity to positively impact the Canadian arts and learning sector, and by extension, the general public.

Commitment

CNAL is committed to attaining the following objectives over time and on an ongoing basis, as resources allow.  CNAL is committed to:

  • Access to CNAL events, services, and partnerships is fair and equitable.
    • Specifically, CNAL aims to ensure access for artist-educators, arts organizations, and schools that continue to face systemic barriers and challenges,
  • CNAL staff, board, and community partners reflect the diversity of the arts sector and population of Canada.
  • CNAL staff and board members are knowledgeable about equity and access policies.
    • Implementing equity is viewed as both an individual and shared responsibility of all CNAL staff, board members, community partners, and CNAL network members.
  • CNAL communication vehicles - such as websites, newsletters, social media, and videos - are accessible and reflective of Canada’s diversity.
    • Additionally, CNAL is committed to eliminating any barriers that may prevent a person with a disability from fully participating in its programs and operations because of their disability, including physical, architectural, attitudinal, technological, information or communications barriers and/or discriminatory policies or practices
  • Help amplify diverse artist-educators, arts organizations, and schools that continue to face systemic barriers to achieving their goals.
  • Knowledge of effective equity and diversity practices to enhance individual and organizational performance is ongoing and continually expanded.

CNAL aims to maintain a safe, equitable and anti-oppressive environment where:

  • Cultural differences are respected;
  • Each person feels empowered to contribute to decision-making and have their voices heard and their input valued;
  • Exclusion, marginalization, injustice, harassment, discrimination and violence are not tolerated.