Diversity and Inclusion Policy

Board of Governors Approved May 5, 2018

Purpose

Eliminate any structural or program barriers to diversity and inclusivity in Scouts Canada.

Our Commitment

We are committed to inclusivity and diversity in Scouts Canada’s membership, structure, and programs.

We are also committed to eliminating discrimination, exclusion, and marginalization based upon any prohibited grounds^[1] under any human rights legislation.

Our Policy

1. We will:
   1. Incorporate diversity and inclusion as elements of the Scouting program
   2. Ensure that people with disabilities and vulnerable or minority groups have equal access and opportunity to utilize our services
   3. Regularly review our policies, regulations, and procedures to ensure they reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion
   4. Ensure all services are available to everyone, without regard to any personal characteristic which is considered a prohibited ground under human rights legislation, and that support structures are in place to do so
   5. Advocate for inclusion and diversity throughout Scouts Canada
   6. Create experiences that help youth understand the importance of diversity and inclusion
2. We prohibit any form of violence and unlawful harassment, including harassment based upon any prohibited ground under any human rights legislation.
3. We allow members to excuse themselves if any program activity is thought to contravene the rules of their faith or spirituality.
4. For Groups aligned with a particular faith, Scouters are to consult with the Community Partner to help fulfil the spiritual goals of that faith

Related Policies & Standards

• Accessible Customer Service Policy
• Member Accommodation Policy

Related Procedures

• Member Accommodation Procedure
• Accessible Customer Service Procedure

Resources 

• Scouts Canada Inclusion Fact Sheets
• Scouts Canada Code of Conduct
• FAQs — Scouts Canada Online Support Centre

Effective Date 

March 2, 2019

[1] In each province and territory, human rights legislation protects individuals against discrimination based upon a series of personal characteristics referred to as “prohibited grounds”.  These prohibited grounds include race, perceived race, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic origin, aboriginal origin, colour, citizenship, creed, religion, religious belief, religious association, religious activity, sex, pregnancy, possibility of pregnancy, circumstances related to pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, family affiliation, civil status, physical disability, mental disability, reliance on a service animal or wheelchair or any other remedial device or appliance, perceived disability, disfigurement, political belief, political association, social origin, social disadvantage, social condition, source of income, irrational fear of contracting an illness or disease, language, linguistic background, record of offences, criminal charges, criminal conviction unrelated to employment, summary conviction unrelated to employment, conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted, conviction for an offence in respect of which a record suspension has been ordered, association with an individual having any of the aforementioned characteristics or any other prohibited ground of discrimination.