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(version française) The tragic events of recent weeks and months have prompted deep and often difficult conversations across society about systemic racism and the frameworks of privilege that allow it to endure. The horrific death of George Floyd and others in the United States and racist incidents involving Black, Indigenous and people of colour here in Canada, have made it clear that our discussions about diversity, equity and inclusion need to be rooted in our commitment to anti-racism and in tangible steps to promote change.
Many CPRS members have been wondering, with justification, why we as an organization have been quiet as this important public discourse takes place.
We, like you, have been grappling with these questions, first as individuals as many of us try to understand our own privilege, and second as leaders of this organization. The fact is, we don’t have the answers. And we have been unsure where to even begin. So, as any good communicator should do, we want to begin by listening.
Let’s be honest: CPRS has not done a good enough job in reflecting the diversity of our nation or our profession; we have not done the hard work of helping to create equitable opportunities and an inclusive environment for members from racialized and underrepresented communities.
We must do better. We will do better.
CPRS needs to take meaningful action to create a professional association that values and demonstrates diversity and inclusion, and that provides equitable opportunities for all members to participate fully in their profession and in their professional association.
Will we get it right every time? No. But our commitment to you is to take the time necessary to listen and learn, and then to take meaningful, sustainable action.
First, we need to understand and unlearn our own biases before we find a path forward. To do that, we need to have a conversation. That conversation needs to be broader and more inclusive than just us as the CPRS leadership team or even the CPRS membership. We need all of you to be part of the conversation.
We would like to share with you the steps that we will be taking as we begin this important journey together.
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