Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

In step with the evolving understanding taking place in Canada and around the world, Coquitlam has strengthened its focus on promoting equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the City’s work and in the community at large. EDI initiatives seek to build an equitable and inclusive society for all by addressing the inherent injustices and biases that hinder and harm some people while benefiting others. 

One of the four themes introduced in the 2022 Business Plan (PDF) that guides the City’s priorities is EDI. These themes span across all goals and departments and will inform the City’s decision-making across all lines of business and service areas. 

Preliminary EDI initiatives in 2021 included a workshop led by the City’s Universal Access-Ability Advisory Committee, a focus on accessible recreation programs, consultation with EDI experts, training for staff at all levels, and dialogue with the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation about opportunities for greater collaboration. The public will be updated as the City makes progress on this important initiative.

Resources

Anti-Racism

Is it a Hate Motivated Incident or a Hate Crime?

Hate Motivated Incident

Not a criminal offence - An incident where a person is targeted by another person based on motivation of hate.

Can be reported online - Report.RCMP.ca

Examples:

  • hate-motivated correspondence
  • someone being treated poorly
  • hateful speech or insults towards a person each based on race, gender or sexual orientation

Hate Crime

Criminal offence - An offence motivated or suspected to be motivated by hate.

Must be reported in person or by telephone – 604 945 1550

Examples:

  • physical assault or threat towards a person based on their race, gender or sexual orientation
  • vandalism to a home with anti­ Semitic or hate graffiti, or damage to a place of worship

To learn more about what hate crimes are and what you can do if you are a victim or a witness to a hate crime, the Province of BC has created a video that is available in several languages. Hate Has No Place in BC

Reporting Incidents and Getting Help

If you have experienced or witnessed a racist incident:

  • Call 911 for a crime in progress.
  • If it is not an emergency, call the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency line at 604-945-1550 or you may be able to report the incident online at Report.RCMP.ca
  • If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visit them online at solvecrime.ca.

Resilience BC: Anti-Racism Network

The Resilience BC: Anti-Racism Network is funded by the Province of BC and offers a province-wide approach to identifying and challenging racism.

Accessibility in City Services

Delivering community facilities, infrastructure, neighbourhood plans and community recreation programs for people of all ages and abilities is at the forefront of the City’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. This includes programs designed to reduce barriers to recreation, such as financial assistance for recreation, low and no-cost aquatics programs, and free menstrual products at City facilities. Other examples include website accessibility, and resources that support those with mobility or ability challenges, such as the Snow Angels program and parking requirements within the City’s Zoning bylaw to accommodate persons with disabilities. Learn more about accessibility in City services.

New Benefits to Remove Barriers for Council Candidates

Coquitlam is one of the first communities in B.C. to adopt new leave procedures for Council members that aim to remove systemic and financial barriers for equity-deserving groups wishing to participate in public office. These new measures reflect Coquitlam’s focus on promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in the City’s work and community.

The City will provide Council members up to 16 weeks of paid leave (or the remainder of the term, whichever occurs first) for the following:

  • Maternity and/or parental leave for any elected official, regardless of family status or gender, who is pregnant or has given birth (including miscarriage, termination or stillbirth) or following the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Leave for any elected official to provide compassionate care or caregiving support to someone considered to be family who is critically ill or needing end-of-life care.

The new leave provisions only apply to City of Coquitlam Council members in office following the October 2022 election and will not be provided retroactively.

As of 2023, the City will also offer a pension benefit to Council members to further reduce potential financial barriers for those running for office. This benefit will also take effect after the October 2022 election, and will be calculated based on years of service at a rate guided by the Municipal Pension Plan. The start date for all Council members, including those re-elected, will be the beginning of the next term.

Learn more about the 2022 General Local Election and how to become a candidate.