ACTA is embracing diversity and inclusion at the association with a series of measures designed to help expand awareness and actions in the Canadian travel industry. These include the launch of new courses for the trade; a partnership with the “Canadian Diversity Initiative”; a new in-house committee; and signing the BlackNorth Initiative Pledge.

Unveiled in conjunction with Black History month, ACTA president Wendy Paradis, says, “We recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion at ACTA and in the travel industry and we believe making these courses available to our members is an important step forward. Education is a key pillar within ACTA and the addition of these courses will help expand awareness and action within our industry.”

As part of its new partnership with The Canadian Diversity Initiative, ACTA will be offering savings of up to 30% on diversity and inclusion courses to ACTA members.

Last fall at the ACTA 2021 Canadian Travel Industry Summit, attendees saw presentations from Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, Executive Director of the BlackNorth Initiative, and Tammy Webster, Indigenous Education and Equity Consultant with Kitigan Zibi Algonquin First Nation.

Says Paradis: “Since the Summit, ACTA’s focus has been to bring training on diversity and inclusion to the Canadian travel industry. We believe this partnership is an important step to reaching that goal.”

The Canadian Diversity Initiative offers made-in-Canada diversity and inclusion online training, including:

• Unconscious Bias – in English, and French available in February 2022

• Respect and Inclusion in the Workplace – in English, and French available in February 2022

• LGBTQ2+ Diversity and Inclusion Training for Workplaces – in English

• Canadian Indigenous Culture Training: The Truth & Reconciliation Edition – in English

The courses, now available to ACTA members, are used by companies, non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions across Canada. The online courses are reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that content is accurate, and the learning experience is user-friendly, engaging, and practical.

BlackNorth Initiative Pledge

ACTA has also announced the signing of the BlackNorth Initiative Pledge – a corporate pledge that ACTA says demonstrates its commitment to addressing the needs of its diverse employees and increasing equity for all, including, but not limited to, Black, Asian, and other racialized communities in Canada, Indigenous peoples, members of the LGBTQ2+ community, persons with disabilities, and women.

Diversity & Inclusion Committee

And as part of its BlackNorth Initiative Pledge, ACTA has also created a new Board of Directors Diversity and Inclusion Committee to ensure that ACTA, as an organization and a leader in the Canadian travel industry, is meeting its goals toward ending anti-Black systemic racism and creating opportunities for under-represented groups. Along with training, the ACTA Board Committee will collaborate with the BlackNorth Initiative, community groups, and key stakeholders in the Canadian travel industry.

For more information on the courses: https://www.acta.ca/education