Canadian Municipalities and Villages Lead the Way in Equity and Anti-Racism Efforts

In a bold and progressive step, Canadian municipalities and villages will soon be at the forefront of public sector efforts to dismantle systemic hate, inequity, and racism. Under the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act, municipalities and villages are now required to develop comprehensive plans addressing systemic barriers by April 1, 2025. This transformative initiative marks a significant shift in ensuring inclusive and equitable communities across the country.

What Does This Mean for Municipalities and Villages?

The legislation requires municipalities and villages to create actionable plans aimed at identifying and eliminating systemic hate and racism within their jurisdictions. These plans must integrate principles of equity and anti-racism into governance, policies, and community engagement.

To support this ambitious mandate, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, in collaboration with the Association of Municipal Administrators, will provide a suite of resources designed to guide municipalities through the process. These resources are specifically tailored to empower local governments to meet their legislative obligations effectively and meaningfully.

Key Resources Available

1. Equity and Anti-Racism Plans Guidance for Municipalities and Villages This document offers a comprehensive framework to help municipalities and villages design their plans. It includes steps for integrating equity into decision-making, strategies for public engagement, and methods for monitoring progress.
2. Equity and Anti-Racism Self-Assessment Tool A practical tool enabling municipalities to evaluate current practices, identify gaps, and prioritize areas for improvement in addressing systemic inequities.
3. Equity and Anti-Racism Primer A foundational resource providing essential knowledge on equity, anti-racism, and their intersection with public policy and service delivery.
4. Engagement Questions Resource Designed to facilitate meaningful community engagement, this guide includes questions that municipalities can use to gather input from diverse groups, ensuring their voices are central to shaping equity initiatives.
5. Overview of Requirements A detailed overview of the legislative obligations under the Dismantling Racism and Hate Act and the Accessibility Act, ensuring municipalities understand how these intersect and complement each other.

Partnership and Collaboration: The Path Forward

The collaborative effort between the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism and the Association of Municipal Administrators emphasizes the importance of a collective approach to systemic change. By working together, municipalities and villages can harness shared knowledge and best practices, building equitable systems that benefit all residents.

Why This Matters

This initiative is not just about compliance—it’s about creating lasting change. Addressing systemic hate and racism at the municipal level ensures that policies and practices reflect the diversity of Canada’s communities. It promotes inclusivity, builds trust in local government, and helps foster environments where everyone feels valued and respected.

Next Steps for Municipalities and Villages

As April 1, 2025, approaches, municipalities and villages are encouraged to:

• Engage with the resources provided by the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism.
• Conduct self-assessments to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement actionable equity plans, incorporating input from community stakeholders.
• Stay informed by maintaining communication with the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism through workshops, webinars, and consultation opportunities.

For additional support or questions, municipalities and villages can contact the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism at oeaengagement@novascotia.ca.

Effenus Henderson