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Cultural competence is about our will and actions to build understanding between people, to be respectful and open to different cultural perspectives, strengthen cultural security and work towards equality in opportunity. Relationship building is fundamental to cultural competence and is based on the foundations of understanding each other’s expectations and attitudes, and subsequently building on the strength of each other’s knowledge, using a wide range of community members and resources to build on their understandings.[1]

In Canada, we have talked for a long time about the importance of respecting diversity and embracing a range of cultures as part of the social fabric of our society.  However the term, cultural competence, is a relatively new concept to many.

As Canada gears up to celebrate its 150th birthday, it’s imperative that we remember the history of our country goes back way more than 150 years. Have you seen the Nova Scotia coffee house sign yet? It’s true. Canada doesn’t begin 150 years ago. As our indigenous communities will tell you, they have been here much, much longer. The history of our country truly begins with them.

So before we get out the fireworks, paint our faces red and white and hang up the maple leafs, let’s take time to celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21st. Along with celebrating their unique heritages and contributions to Canada, we also need to recognize that the many injustices they’ve suffered. Good or bad, these are all a part of our history. Until we acknowledge and understand the many complex issues and the history of Canada, we will not be able to move forward and grow together.

We often hear about the need for flexible schedules for working moms. When workplaces can accommodate needs like childcare hours, sick days, breastfeeding and other issues related to the life of a working mom, this helps everyone. But what about flexible schedules for dads, too? We now live in an era where fathers are often just as involved in their children’s daily lives as their moms are, and in some cases, even more so. For this Father’s Day, along with celebrating all the wonderful dads out there, let’s also talk about why we should support working fathers as well.

The first week of June has been chosen as Sexual Harassment Awareness Week because June 2 marks the anniversary of Theresa Vince's death.

In 1996 her death changed the views of many people in Ontario about sexual and workplace harassment. Her tragic and untimely death showed us that workplace harassment can no longer be easily dismissed as a trivial problem.

Sexual violence can have lasting consequences. It’s well-known that survivor-victims of sexual assault can face emotional impacts, ranging from “shame, fear, anxiety, depression, traumatic stress reactions, and suicidal behaviours”¹. People can face significant psychological distress as a result of cyber-sexual harassment, workplace sexual harassment or stalking as well².

Mother’s Day. It’s a day when we celebrate all the moms and women of influence in our lives. This could be a mom of any type: a biological, adopted, foster or step-mom. It could also be a grandmother, an aunt, a close relative, a neighbour or a co-worker. It’s a chance to celebrate the women in your life. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate and honour the moms and women in your workplace.

On April 28 we mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. As we recognize the importance of a safe employment environment and healthy workers, the impact of domestic violence must be both acknowledged and addressed as an occupational health and safety issue.  

Domestic violence is often seen as a private matter, something to deal with behind closed doors and to be kept away from the workplace. This is rarely ever the case though, as domestic violence almost always makes its way into the workplace in some shape or form. It’s because of this that businesses and organizations need domestic violence policies, but why we also need to fight hard for domestic violence paid leave. Women experiencing abuse often need time off for a variety of reasons, whether it’s to find a safe place to live, get away from an abuser, attend court, visit a doctor, see the police to make statements, or appointments with a lawyer. Providing a supportive environment and time to do what is necessary will help both the employee and the employer.

While we might not all see it, racial discrimination definitely still exists in Canada, and the workplace is not immune to this type of discrimination. Whether it’s racist comments from a co-worker, or constantly being passed up on promotions due to race, there are many ways that racial discrimination can rear its head in the workplace. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to prevent racial discrimination in the workplace and ensure all employees are treated fairly and with respect. As an employee, it’s your duty to respect all your fellow co-workers.

This International Women’s Day, there are so many things you can do to support women, both in your own life as well as in the workplace. The day is all about celebrating women worldwide for their political, economic and social achievements, as well as constantly working toward bettering the lives of women, everywhere. Find out 10 simple things you can do to celebrate this important day of women.