Factsheet: Advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in municipal service delivery

Considering principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as core aspects of municipal planning and service delivery can increase social cohesion and fairness for all residents. 

This factsheet shares definitions and benefits that can inform local governments who are in the early stages of incorporating EDI principles and considerations into municipal plans. 

What are equity, diversity and inclusion?

Equity is a principle and process that promotes fair conditions for all persons to fully participate in society. In contrast with equality, equity recognizes that while all people have the right to be treated equally, not everyone experiences equal access to resources, opportunities, or benefits. Equity based initiatives, strategies, or considerations address specific needs, barriers, and accommodations to ensure groups have equal access and opportunity to participate in all aspects of society.

Diversity refers to a wide range of qualities and attributes that can apply to a person, a group or a community. These include differences in ability, age, sex, gender identity, language, race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and others.

Working effectively with diverse populations means recognizing differences and acknowledging how they shape a person and affect their lived experiences and opportunities. It also means cultivating a culture and practice that values and sees diversity as a strength. 

Inclusion refers to creating, fostering and sustaining systems, practices and conditions that enable people with diverse backgrounds and identities to feel respected, valued and have a sense of belonging. By embracing diversity, inclusion creates fair, equitable, healthy and high-performing organizations and communities, where all individuals feel engaged and motivated, and their contributions are valued. 

While equity, diversity and inclusion are distinct concepts, they are closely related. When they are woven together, more equitable, fair impacts and outcomes are likely to result. 

Why is EDI relevant to municipal service delivery?

Consider a few statistics exploring why incorporating the needs of all residents into municipal planning is necessary. 

• In Toronto, black men are three times more likely to be stopped by police than other racial groups.
• Black women in Canada are three times less likely than their non-racialized counterparts to have access to a family doctor.
• Across Canada, over 50 percent of racialized communities live in neighbourhoods where housing is unaffordable and unsafe.
• During Vancouver’s 2021 heat dome event, the majority of deaths were among people who were elderly, had a disability, lived in poorer neighbourhoods or lived alone. 

How does incorporating EDI into municipal planning benefit communities?

Incorporating EDI principles into municipal planning can:

• Strengthen social cohesion: Promoting EDI principles fosters a sense of belonging for all residents, regardless of their race, ethnicity, ability, sex, gender, background or other factors. This can lead to stronger social cohesion within communities, reduce tensions among communities and promote harmony.
• Improve public services: EDI initiatives can help identify and address disparities in access to public services such as education, healthcare, housing and transportation. By distributing services fairly and equitably and maintaining infrastructure assets to meet the service needs of diverse communities, local governments can enhance the well-being of all residents and create a more just society.
• Increase economic growth: Inclusive policies can stimulate economic growth by tapping into the talents and skills of diverse populations. When individuals feel valued and have equal access to opportunities, they are more likely to contribute to the local economy through entrepreneurship, innovation and productivity.
• Enhance public safety: Addressing discrimination and inequality can contribute to safer communities. For instance, promoting trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and marginalized communities can improve public safety outcomes and reduce crime rates.
• Support resilience and adaptation: Inclusive communities tend to be more resilient and better able to adapt to shocks and challenges. Harnessing the collective strength of diverse perspectives and experiences allows communities to better respond to crises, reduce risks and build sustainable futures for all.
• Increase democratic participation: EDI initiatives can increase civic engagement and democratic participation by including and valuing all voices in decision-making. This leads to more representative governance and policies that reflect the needs and priorities of the entire community.
• Reduce legal risk: Implementing EDI initiatives helps local governments comply with laws and regulations, reducing the risk of lawsuits and legal liability associated with discriminatory practices. It can also protect the local government’s reputation and standing within the community.

Related resources

• Factsheet: Applying an Indigenous inclusion lens to climate adaptation | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Factsheet: Municipal Reconciliation-Advancing government-to-Nation relationships | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Integrating Equity, Diversity and Inclusion into Municipal Climate Action | ‍The Partners for Climate Protection from ICLEI Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
• Considerations for developing a gender equity and inclusion municipal strategy: Themes and trends from Canadian municipalities | The Federation of Canadian Municipalities