DEI@Peel

Peel Region's 5-year strategy to strengthen well-being and belonging across our organization and in the communities we serve.

Guided by our values and commitments to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion (READI), DEI@Peel strengthens how we design and deliver programs and services, make decisions, build partnerships, and support employees.

DEI@Peel focuses on:

Strengthening well-being and belonging.
Improving the systems and processes that shape people's experiences.
Designing and delivering programs and services that reflect the diverse needs of Peel's communities.
Creating equitable opportunities and outcomes for everyone.

Why DEI@Peel matters

Peel is one of the most diverse communities in Canada. People bring different identities, experiences, languages, and needs. That diversity is a strength — but it also means people experience our systems differently.

DEI@Peel matters because:

Systems were not originally designed with all communities in mind.
Some people continue to face barriers that limit access and opportunity.
Belonging and well-being are connected — when people feel valued, outcomes improve.

By strengthening equity, accessibility, and inclusion:

Communities receive services that reflect their lived realities.
Employees are better supported and able to do their best work.
Trust between Peel Region and the community grows.

READI: Our guiding commitments

READI is the foundation of DEI@Peel. It is the lens that guides how the strategy is designed, implemented, and evaluated.

Reconciliation

We acknowledge the histories, rights, contributions, and lived experiences of Indigenous peoples and are committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation through our programs, policies, and operations.

Equity

We recognize that systemic barriers create unequal opportunities and outcomes and take action to reduce disparities.

Accessibility

We recognize accessibility as a human right and work to ensure our programs, services, communications, and spaces are accessible to everyone.

Diversity

We value diverse identities, lived experiences, and perspectives, recognizing they strengthen decision-making, innovation, and service delivery.

Inclusion

We create environments where people feel welcomed, respected, valued, and empowered to participate and contribute.

Strategic focus areas

READI defines our commitments. The strategic focus areas turn those commitments into action.

Building capacity

Strengthen organizational knowledge, skills, and tools so employees can apply READI in their everyday work.

Addressing systemic barriers

Identify and address policies, processes, and practices that contribute to inequitable experiences and outcomes.

Strengthening relationships

Build meaningful relationships and partnerships across the organization and with Indigenous communities, community organizations, equity-deserving communities, and other partners.

Enhancing programs and services

Continuously improve programs, services, and operations so they better reflect community needs, improve experiences, and support equitable outcomes.

How we’ve advanced this work so far

Discover how DEI@Peel is shaping services to be more inclusive and equitable.

Municipal Diversity Plan

On April 1, 2024, the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 came into effect, signifying a notable change in the legislative framework for policing in Ontario.

The Act requires that:

Peel Region prepare and, by resolution, approve and adopt a municipal diversity plan to ensure that the members of the Regional Municipality of Peel Police Service Board (PPSB) appointed by the municipality are representative of the diversity of the population in the areas it serves.
The municipal diversity plan be adopted within 12 months of the coming into force of the new legislation (by March 30, 2025).
The municipal diversity plan be published on the internet along with reports on the implementation of the plan, in accordance with any regulations made by the Minister.
The municipal diversity plan be reviewed and, if appropriate, revised at least once every 4 years.

Strategic alignment

The Municipal Diversity Plan and its recommendations are a direct deliverable of the DEI@Peel strategy.

Several activities and initiatives have been outlined in the strategy, including:

Requirements for regional governing bodies, including municipal appointments to the PPSB.
The establishment of core DEI principles, creating standards and tools, setting responsibilities and implementing mandatory training.

Listening to community and organizational feedback

Peel Region developed DEI@Peel in collaboration with community members, partners, and employees.

Data from extensive research, engagement, and consultation, was used to reflect the needs of all communities in Peel. This collaborative approach informed the development of the strategy reflects the input we received from Peel’s communities.

Be part of the journey

Together, we can advance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility across Peel Region.

As we move forward, we will continue to seek feedback and adapt to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

Be part of the journey and learn more about DEI@Peel by:

Sharing your thoughts or sending your questions to deipeel@peelregion.ca.
Reviewing the DEI@Peel Five-Year Strategy & Implementation Plan presented to Regional Council.
Reviewing the DEI@Peel strategy (coming soon).