Led by Vaughan’s first-ever Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Zincia Francis, the City has developed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy and multi-year action plan (PDF). Since joining in January 2021, Ms. Francis has been working with passionate and dedicated peers and allies to strengthen and build upon the City’s existing diversity and inclusion foundation. 

The mission of the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy and multi-year action plan (PDF) is continuous commitment to identifying forms of discrimination that create barriers to equity and inclusion in the workplace, and addressing inequities in access to services, community participation and civic engagement. The strategy also highlights working with Indigenous and equity-seeking groups to counter historical, attitudinal, structural, systemic and institutional practices that inhibit inclusivity, and developing a strategic plan to foster a meaningful relationship with Indigenous communities, advancing reconciliation.  

Addressing all forms of racism, discrimination and bigotry is central to the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy and multi-year action plan (PDF), including anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, as well as religious intolerance, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. The strategy includes a plan toward achieving gender parity in management and senior leadership levels at the City of Vaughan. Part of fulfilling the City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy includes implementing programs, initiatives and services that recognize the diversity of the city of Vaughan.