CMG Commitment to Equity and Accessibility
CMG is mandated to prioritize and forward human rights, equity, accessibility and accommodations for all our members. Individuals in two national positions (elected and staff) work alongside our other dedicated and experienced staff, locally and regionally elected equity reps, and hundreds of members across our branches who prioritize social justice and anti-oppression practices as a matter of professional, community and personal importance.
We recognize the everyday challenges, opportunities and vigilance needed to ensure meaningful and equitable participation for all our members. This goal requires ongoing attention, education, good faith and openness from all involved.
As a union, we strive to ensure that members and fellow participants feel welcome, and that our services, events, workshops and meetings are logistically and culturally accessible.
If you have any suggestions, requests, need for accommodation or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kam Rao
CMG Director – Human Rights and Equity
kam.cmgto@gmail.com
@EquityAtCMG
Terri Monture
Staff Representative – Human Rights and Equity
416-591-5333 ext. 245
terri@cmg.ca
CMG Equity, Solidarity and Accommodations Priorities
Below are some of the specific initiatives that CMG has underway to advance equity and solidarity within our union. We encourage all CMG members to engage these solidarity tools and approaches, and consider including these symbols on announcements and signage to indicate an active desire to welcome everyone into our work and union communities.
* * * * * * * * * *
Indigenous Cultural Safety *
Cultural Safety is a practice of solidarity with Indigenous peoples that moves beyond practices of tolerance and sensitivity, or simply having knowledge of Indigenous cultures. It includes an active analysis of systemic and historic power imbalances in society and their impact on Indigenous peoples, cultures, languages, land and relationships. Through self-reflection, respect for difference, empathy and community, Cultural Safety promotes full engagement with Indigenous individuals, groups and nations, and recognition for political self-determination and de-colonization.
* Cultural Safety was first conceived in 1990 by the late Maori writer, nurse, educator and scholar Irihapeti Ramsden.
Source: Anishnawbe Health, Toronto.
Further reading: Koptie, S. (2009). Irihapeti Ramsden: The Public Narrative on Cultural Safety. First Peoples Child & Family Review, 4 (2).
Accessibility for people who use wheelchairs
We encourage all CMG members to be aware of the spaces they use and choose for work, meetings, social and community events. To create full and equal opportunity of access and participation, we need to ensure that both the physical facilities (entrances, buildings, washrooms, fire and safety evacuation routes, transit options) and the cultural spaces are accessible and welcoming to people who use wheelchairs, or who may have other visible or hidden physical accommodation needs.
Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ Positive Space
Positive Spaces are welcoming environments where Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, Genderqueer (LGBTQ+) people are able to participate with safety, dignity and respect, social and professional inclusion, and without erasure, discrimination or harassment.
Deaf Language Interpretation and Accommodations
CMG is currently seeking an organizational consultant to work with us as we build our capacity to engage and respond to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. We are also doing outreach to deaf communities and will arrange for interpretation by request. Please contact us!