Equity and diversity issues may affect all people but in particular women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities and visible minorities. Equity means that differences need to be respected and accommodated whenever possible. The key to diversity is acknowledging differences and capitalizing on individual differences to contribute to specific goals and objectives.

On January 1, 2000, City Council established The Mayor's Task Force on Diversity. A working group of seven was selected to explore specific objectives within one calendar year. The group assessed research documents, met with individuals and groups both within the City of Winnipeg structure and the community, reviewed equity programs in other Canadian cities and hosted two community forums.

The Mayor's Task Force on Diversity - Final Report, a document with a series of recommendations, was presented to Council in March of 2001. You can view the report online in PDF format by clicking here.

One main recommendation identified the need for Council to establish a Citizen Equity Committee (CEC). Council adopted the report on March 21, 2001. Committee members were selected by application process, and attended the first CEC meeting on October 15, 2001.

The CEC is mandated to advise the Mayor and Council on equity and diversity issues as they impact on City of Winnipeg policies, procedures and services. Providing information, recommendations, and monitoring the progress regarding equity and diversity is the ongoing role of the Committee.

The CEC's thirteen voting members include nine citizens with a passionate interest in equity and diversity. The Committee meets monthly and reports to the Executive Policy Committee.

Click here to view our 2006 Annual Report in PDF format.

For other City of Winnipeg publications, please click here to view the Action Plan and the Diversity Report Card.