The Travel Industry Council of Ontario has joined upwards of 500 organizations in signing the BlackNorth Initiative Pledge in support of helping to end anti-black systemic racism in the workplace and beyond. Led by the Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism, TICO says it is “committed to the removal of barriers negatively affecting the lives of Black Canadians and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.”

“TICO recognizes the importance of addressing inequities in our workplace,” says TICO president and CEO Richard Smart, adding, “We have made a clear commitment to eradicating systemic racism by establishing opportunities for black and other marginalized groups to be successful. By signing the BlackNorth Initiative Pledge we join a group of equally committed business leaders in championing diversity, inclusion and equity.”

The pledge, in part reads:

“It is time for anti-Black systemic racism to end… We acknowledge the existence of anti-Black systemic racism and its impact on Canada’s 1,198,540 Black citizens (or 3.5% of the population) and the need to create opportunities within our companies for Black people.

“The persistent inequities across our country underscore our urgent, national need to address and alleviate racial, ethnic, and other tensions and to promote the elimination of anti-Black systemic racism wherever it exists.”

The pledge further states that signatories will address “equity for all racialized communities” including Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ, persons with disabilities, and women.

“Collectively as business leaders we agree that we must do more,” it continues.

Specifically, the pledge spells out six lengthy, actionable goals that collectively encompass working with community organizations, establishing trust and dialogue, removing barriers, education, sharing best practices, creating diversity plans and representation, leadership accountability, committing to hiring goals, and generally creating “conditions for success.”

“Let’s come together to make good on the inherent promise that all of our people should be able to bring their best selves to work and unleash their full potential,” concludes the pledge. “By working together toward true diversity and inclusion within our workplaces, industries, and broader business community, we can cultivate meaningful change for our society and end antiBlack systemic racism.”

Formed in 1997, TICO is a not-for-profit corporation wholly financed by Ontario-registered travel agents and wholesalers. It administers the Travel Industry Act, 2002 and the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund.