It started in 2003 with the realization that social exclusion is a form of violence.
Today we are leaders advancing equity, diversity & inclusion in Grey-Bruce.
Looking forward, we are seeking to magnify our impact by leveraging the power of many. Welcoming Communities Grey Bruce is growing into a region-wide impact network of individuals and organizations that have an interest in making our area inclusive and welcoming to all.
Everyone is welcome.
“Conversations about discrimination are uncomfortable, but we all want to belong. We all want to be accepted for who we are.”
Colleen Purdon — Founding Board Member
We are addressing discrimination with a strategy to engage diverse groups of people in creating a more welcoming and inclusive region through concrete actions.
Grey-Bruce is situated on the territory of two First Nations, with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples living on and off reserve throughout the area. GB has a significantly lower population (approximately 8%) of immigrants than the provincial and national proportions (29.1% and 21.9%). A 2022 study that interviewed immigrants to explore experiences of discrimination in Grey and Bruce Counties found that discrimination was prevalent throughout the region (Khan et al., 2023). All participants reported experiencing discrimination in some form, mainly based on their race, with experiences ranging from microaggressions to racism. A 2023 immigrant survey by the Grey Bruce Local Immigration Partnership (GBLIP) found that 43% of respondents had experienced discrimination in the previous 12 months, most often due to race or skin colour, ethnicity and culture.
People of all ages and walks of life in Grey-Bruce benefit from a more welcoming and inclusive community. There will be specific benefits for Immigrant Services and the GBLIP, Municipal governments, employers, Indigenous and newcomer workers.