Season 4, Episode 2 | Guest: Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay - The rise of Anti-DEI rhetoric – Canadian perspectives

CCDI is pleased to introduce 'Inclusion Table Talks', a new sub-series of our podcast: Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham. This series brings together CCDI's  Employer Partners and thought leaders for in-depth discussions on the growing anti-DEI rhetoric and its impact on our collective vision of building a more inclusive Canada. We'll explore what DEIA truly is and isn't, address common misconceptions, and discuss the profound impact DEIA has had and continues to have on workplaces across Canada.

In this episode, Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay joins us to unpack the rising prevalence of anti-DEI rhetoric. She is the Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). We begin by hearing from Dr. Finlay on the landscape of DEI across Canada, and what has set certain companies up for long-term success in this arena. Discussing diversity as an outcome of equitable policies, we explore the government’s role and the impact of the media on public opinion.

We unpack the changing acronym, from DEI to DEIAT, and discuss some of the challenges increasingly associated with this work. Lastly, Dr. Finlay offers some advice on the roles we can each play to build a more inclusive future. Thanks for joining us.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The rise of anti-DEI rhetoric today.
• Introduction and welcome to Dr. Sara-Jane Finlay, Associate Director of DEI at ICBC.
• Dr. Finlay’s analysis of DEI in the Canadian workplace today. 
• How long-term strategies have supported the companies that are still prioritizing DEI today.
• Reframing diversity is an outcome of equity. 
• The lack of government intervention in this space. 
• How the media is shaping public opinion in the US and Canada. 
• Navigating anti-DEI rhetoric at ICBC.
• Why the acronym is changing from DEI to DEIAT.
• Common myths and misconceptions around what DEI is truly about.
• Tips on navigating the challenges that are increasingly associated with this work. 
• Some of the roles we can each play to build a more inclusive Canada. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sara-Jane Finlay on LinkedIn
• Equity and Inclusion Office of the University of British Columbia
• Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• The Tyranny of Merit
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham