The spotlight is on those abandoning Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives in the United States. Today, Donald Trump is cutting all DEI positions in the U.S. civil service and ending DEIA initiatives (CBC, 2025). Major companies such as Meta, Amazon and Walmart have also cut their DEIA initiatives in recent months. While we often hear about these companies, it’s important to note that the majority of organizations choose to continue their commitment to DEIA.

In Canada, 72% of business leaders had reported an increase in DEIA investment over the previous year, and 81% of organizations had maintained or increased their dedicated DEIA budgets (Benefits Canada, 2023). These figures speak for themselves: far from being a declining phenomenon, DEIA continues to assert itself as a strategic priority that contributes to employees well-being in the process.

As DEIA experts, we see these companies every day, aware of the positive impact of well-orchestrated inclusion and proving that it’s not only possible, but essential to persevere. It’s time Canadian companies spoke up and made a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.

The unspoken reality: Committed companies are the majority

Contrary to media narratives highlighting setbacks, the figures tell a different story. According to the Pew Research Center (2023), 56% of U.S. employees felt that a focus on DEIA is beneficial in the workplace, and 61% of companies were implementing policies favoring equity in their hiring, promotion and compensation practices.

The most diverse organizations are 33% more likely to be more successful (McKinsey & Company) and have innovation revenues nearly twice as high as their less inclusive competitors (CED Canada). In terms of retention, inclusive environments increase talent satisfaction and retention, demonstrating that DEAI is a driver of profitability and economic sustainability.

Call to action: Together for DEIA

Today, more than ever, it’s crucial to make our voices heard in defense of the fundamental principles of diversity, equity and inclusion. That’s why I’m calling on everyone: let’s commit together to the future of our employees, our communities and our country.

Join me in signing our petition for DEIA: a collective commitment to promote inclusive communities and workplaces, to stand together and to move forward, united, towards an equitable future for all.

We wish to mobilize as a community to encourage Canadian organizations to continue their initiatives and efforts in DEIA. We’re not backing down.

To sign and show your commitment, visit our petition. Together, we’re stronger. Together, we make a difference.

Inclusion first and always

This commitment won’t just be a symbol: it will be a driving force for change. By uniting around this commitment, we can create a future where every voice counts, every talent finds its place and inclusion guides our actions.

Let’s take back control of the discourse in the name of inclusion. Let’s show that diversity, equity and inclusion are not opportunistic choices, but fundamental pillars of our community.

Tina Pranjić, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Expert

CEO and co-founder of Élance

Montreal

Published January 22, 2025