Now more than ever, it is important for all of us to engage in candid and frank discussions about racism, including anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism – and why we have to take action now. Sustained action is necessary to help break down systemic barriers in the workplace that impact the lives, well-being and career pathways of Indigenous, Black and other racialized employees.

“The OPS is laying a foundation of change and taking action to address anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and all forms of racism to build a racially equitable and inclusive workplace”…“The Inclusion Café event provides an important opportunity for us to come together and listen and discuss how we can all contribute to building an anti-racist culture in the OPS” said Steven Davidson, Secretary of the Cabinet.

On February 10, 2021, in celebration of Black History Month, join MNRF, IAO and the Anti-Racism Directorate, our partner ministries, OPS Employee Network/Groups -BOPSers, OPS Leadership Network, and Women in Government (WIG) for our fifth Inclusion Café - Conversations on Anti-Racism and Anti-Black Racism.

Anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and other forms of racism is experienced daily in our workplaces and our communities.

This Café is designed specifically for OPS employees across the province to come together, in a safe, virtual environment, to listen to conversations on the impacts of racism on our colleagues, our friends and the people we serve across Ontario (e.g., trauma, mental health, systemic barriers to education, career).

Through our ‘Red Chair’ conversations – the audience will hear from three OPS leaders sharing their diverse perspectives and lived experience. They will share their thoughts on what is needed to address and disrupt anti-Black racism.

By creating a space for sharing individual lived experiences and the impacts of bias, prejudice and discrimination, the Café series reflects the OPS’ commitment to building a more diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace that is anti-racist and free from discrimination and harassment for all employees. As change makers, we all have a role to play in bringing about positive change.

Event Logistics

Date: February 10, 2021

Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Delivery Method: Microsoft Teams Live

Note: The Cafe will start promptly at 9:30 a.m. - due to the large number of participants - it is recommended that you log in a minimum of 5-10 minutes in advance of the event.

Registration Opens: Wednesday January 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

Registration Closes: Extended to Thursday February 4, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.

Event Speakers

Participating Senior Executives:

• Secretary of the Cabinet Steven Davidson
• Donna-Mae Robinson, A/Director, Inclusive Diversity Office, Office of the Public Service Commission, Treasury Board Secretariat

Guest Speakers and lived experience story tellers:

‘Red Chair’ Conversations with…

• ADM Keith Palmer, Corrections - Operational Support, Ministry of the Solicitor General
• ADM David Mitchell, Youth Justice, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
• ADM Nosa Ero-Brown, Anti-Racism Directorate, Ministry of the Solicitor General

Keynote Speaker (Closing):

• Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (Dr. ABC), Department of Leadership, Higher and Adult Education (LHAE) – Leadership, OISE, University of Toronto

More Information

More information on the series can be found on a dedicated webpage on the MNRF InsideOPS website. Bookmark it and check regularly for updates.

Learn more about our OPS Employee Networks/Groups.

Change makers, start here…

• Find resources for staff
• Find resources for Managers
• Roadmap for Racial Equity in the OPS

Please note:

• Important: Microsoft Teams Live login details will be sent to registrants 48 hours in advance of the event. If you have not received these details by end of day February 8, 2021, please contact either Michelle Weller by email at michelle.weller@ontario.ca or by telephone (705) 722- 7783; or Angele LaPorte by email at angele.laporte@ontario.ca or by telephone (905) 442-0437

• This is the first OPS Multi-ministry Inclusion Cafe Speaker event broadcasted via Microsoft Teams Live, steps have been taken to minimize any disruption, we apologize in advance if there are technical difficulties

• Microsoft Teams has a real-time transcription/captions feature that participants can turn on to maximize participation in the event

• Missed the Café – both the video and transcription will be made available post event on the series dedicated webpage. In addition, a set of conversation sparkers will be made available to support - starting the conversation

Still have questions?

• Event Registration: please contact Michelle Weller, Jr. Program Advisor, Strategic Human Resources Business Branch, MNRF/IAO by telephone at (705) 722-7783 or by email at michelle.weller@ontario.ca

• Accessibility: As part of providing accessible customer service, if you have any accommodation needs or require communication supports or alternate formats, please contact Stacey Hernden, Accessibility Business Advisor, MNRF by telephone at (705) 722-7794 or by email at Stacey.Hernden@ontario.ca