Equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI)

On this page, you will find resources to help you with EDI-related problems or situations, including harassment assistance and psychological help (see below). We also introduce the Joint CERMA-CRMR EDI Committee and some basic definitions.

Presentation of the EDI CERMA-CRMR committee

Mandate

The mandate of the CRMR and CERMA EDI Committee is to positively influence the steering committees of the two centers to integrate EDI principles into the operation of the centers, to promote these principles to their members, and to raise awareness of systemic biases that may hinder the development of members. Committee members become ambassadors of EDI best practices. The Committee has the authority to form sub-committees or initiative teams to carry out specific mandates and may invite any person it deems useful to accomplish its work.

Composition

The Committee aims to be as representative as possible of the diverse realities of the members of the two centers in order to promote a plurality of thinking and opinions during the exchanges. We want the Committee to be as representative as possible of the diversity of the two centers, whether in terms of cultural diversity, age, gender, capacity, status, etc. It is composed of any interested member, be they students, research professors, post-doctoral researchers, administrative or research staff of CERMA and the CRMR who wish to participate in the discussions.

Specific objectives

Raise awareness of EDI within the center community
Provide tools and/or referrals to appropriate resources for members who are experiencing injustice, discrimination, harassment and aggression in their efforts to denounce them
Review the operating procedures of the centers in order to eliminate systemic discrimination that may affect the under-represented groups of CERMA and the CRMR in any way
Foster an inclusive and safe environment in the centers to eliminate any sense of exclusion experienced by underrepresented groups in CERMA and the CRMR
Promote and assist in the development of an EDI culture within CERMA and the CRMR

Definitions

Equity

Equity is an approach to treating each individual, and each historically disadvantaged group, fairly, taking into account the particular characteristics of their situation in order to place them on an equal footing with the majority group. It is opposed to the systematic application of a standard without taking into account the differences and diversity of society. Recognizing that the social structure has differential effects for the majority group compared to under-represented groups, this approach aims to correct this imbalance and ensure that all individuals are entitled to the same benefits (equal opportunity) by taking into account the particular characteristics of their situation.

Diversity

A term often used to refer to the differences, or similarities, between individuals within a group or organization. Socio-demographic characteristics are commonly used to distinguish one from another; for example, gender, sex, ethnicity, origin, physical appearance, religion or beliefs, values, age, education, language and/or sexual orientation. Individuals with socio-demographic characteristics different from the majority group are likely to offer diverse and complementary opinions, ideas, work and life experiences, skills and knowledge.

Inclusion

Through actions and measures, create an environment that welcomes, respects and values diversity so that all members of its community feel that they have a place, can contribute and can receive recognition for that contribution. If their particular situation requires it, the organization accompanies them and offers them measures to promote their well-being and fulfillment. It is a sustained commitment to welcoming, integrating, accompanying and advancing.

Under-represented groups

In terms of equity, under-represented groups are discriminated against and face systemic barriers in their daily lives, including in the areas of education and employment.

[1] According to https://www.ulaval.ca/equite-diversite-inclusion/concepts-cles-en-edi

Outreach workers according to the different faculties:

Forestry, Geography and Geomatics / Abitibi-Price (ABP) : Zoé Bigras-Généreux | bigras.genereux@aide.ulaval.ca
Science and Engineering / Alexandre-Vachon (VCH) et Adrien-Pouliot (PLT) : Estefania Esquenazi | esquenazi@aide.ulaval.ca
Medicine / Ferdinand-Vandry (VND) : Hélène Lévesque | levesque@aide.ulaval.ca
Pharmacy / Ferdinand-Vandry (VND) : Christian Boucher | boucher@aide.ulaval.ca