Peel’s Five-Year Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy, 2025-2029
In 2024, we developed the new five-year DEI strategy, known as DEI@Peel. It will enable Peel to advance our DEI efforts and improve our ability to provide culturally responsive and inclusive services. This strategy also serves as Peel Region’s Municipal Diversity Plan, fulfilling requirements of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019.
DEI@Peel aims to decolonize systems and remove barriers that continue to impact Indigenous and racialized communities, equity-seeking groups, and marginalized populations.
Peel’s commitment through this strategy is to:
- Continue to strengthen our understanding of the historic barriers that obstruct our systems.
- Make necessary changes to Peel’s programs and services to ensure they are inclusive, equitable and holistic.
DEI@Peel was developed in collaboration with leads across the organization, using data from extensive research, engagement, and consultation with community partners to create a plan that is for everyone.
Everyone plays a part in DEI@Peel.
We want everyone to see themselves and participate in this plan. When we recognize and practice DEI, we will have a better understanding of historic systemic barriers that continue to exist because we have all inherited colonial values and beliefs that continue to perpetuate inequity. We need to understand these barriers and how they affect individuals, families, and communities, including Peel Region employees, and make necessary changes to our systems, programs, and services that are fair and just for all.
The implementation plan for DEI@Peel is currently being developed and will be available in early 2025. For more information about DEI@Peel, email DEI Strategy.
We recognize Peel’s diversity, and we’re committed to:
- Building relationships with marginalized populations, including Indigenous communities. (Marginalized people are those who are excluded due to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, or language.)
- Making equity and inclusion the base upon which we deliver programs and services so that everyone can thrive.
While Peel Region is in the early stages of its community-focused DEI work, we’ve made significant positive impacts to Peel’s diverse communities in 3 specific areas:
1. Community Investment Program
The Community Investment Program (CIP) lets Peel and community organizations provide equitable solutions to support Peel’s vulnerable communities. This in turn fills historical gaps often created from shifts in leadership, impacting non-profit organizations that support diverse and marginalized communities.
In 2022, Peel provided $7.9 million in funding to over 100 unique agencies to help them deliver programs and services to those in Peel who feel insignificant or isolated and want to be treated equally.
2. Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives
The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) is Peel’s “cultural hub.”
PAMA has become a leader in community engagement through partnering to deliver local, national, and international content and experiences that resonate with residents.
In 2022, PAMA partnered with over 50 local community groups and agencies to deliver engaging exhibitions and programs. Over 900 students from Peel schools participated in curriculum-based programming, and over 54 Creative Expressions programs were delivered to youth and adults impacted by brain injury.
In 2023, PAMA established an Indigenous Sharing Circle (ISC) to develop consistent relationships with Indigenous people, organizations, and communities.
The ISC has committed to redeveloping core Indigenous exhibitions and guiding ongoing content to ensure that Indigenous voices, histories, and experiences are represented and accessible.
3. Supply Chain Diversity Program
Peel Region’s Supply Chain Diversity pilot program promotes inclusivity and equal access to procurement opportunities within Peel.
Developed with municipalities with similar initiatives, this program applies to invitational Request for Quotation (RFQ) procurement processes ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
To participate in the program, a supplier must be certified as a Diverse Supplier from a recognized non-profit organization. They must also confirm that at least 51% of the business is owned, operated, and controlled by individuals from traditionally underrepresented or underserved groups.