Strathcona County policies advance diversity and inclusion

Strathcona County Council today approved two new policies aimed at building greater diversity and inclusion within the organization and community. The policies were developed over the past year with the input of residents, staff, and subject matter experts from the county and around the region.

A Diversity and Inclusion Policy outlines considerations to be taken by the county as it develops and implements initiatives. These considerations will help ensure a diverse community has the opportunity to participate in all aspects of community life and are focused in five areas: planning, policies and evaluation; service and program delivery, communication and engagement, community partnerships and workplace culture.

An Inclusive Hiring Policy guides the county’s staffing guidelines and hiring practices toward attracting a diverse, engaged and talented workforce. The policy speaks to inclusive hiring practices, reasonable accommodation, meaningful work for meaningful pay, and community partnerships.

The Family and Community Services and Human Resources departments will lead implementation of the initiative, with the work being planned to be done within existing budgets.

“We already consider diversity and inclusion as we develop and implement our human resource programs and these policies will help us keep that momentum going,” says Debra Smith, director of Human Resources. “The policies help set the path for our work as we go forward to support staff, ensure we have diverse and inclusive workplaces, and develop new programs and practices.”

“A strong, united, front is more important than ever given the current realities that our province and municipality face,” says Mayor Frank. “By working together, embracing all of our unique and different viewpoints and perspectives, we will be able to better weather these unprecedented times.”

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595