A flag will be raised at city hall at 9:30 am on Thursday, July 17, in recognition of Pride Day in Powell River.
The event then moves to Willingdon Beach at 1 pm.
As Pride events ready themselves from coast-to-coast across Canada, findings from a new survey probes working Canadians’ attitudes about workplace diversity, specifically as it pertains to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) employees.
The survey shows support for workplaces that are welcoming of LGBT employees is widespread. Nine in 10 working Canadians believe that workplace cultures should welcome all employees, regardless of sexual orientation, according to the Sodexo Workplace Diversity Survey, a Leger poll of working Canadians.
In terms of how working Canadians view the performance of corporate Canada, the results are less positive. Two thirds of Canadians feel businesses need to do more to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered employees feel welcome and valued in the workplace. The LGBT community is even more likely (81 per cent) to feel that businesses generally need to strive harder.
Half of Canadians think their own employer should do more to ensure that LGBT employees feel comfortable in the workplace. Yet when the same question is asked of the LGBT community that number jumps to 59 per cent.
“Diversity is a tremendous source of strength for all businesses,” said Dean Johnson, president and CEO of Sodexo Canada. “It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.”
When asked about overall workplace diversity, 72 per cent of Canadians feel that it should be a priority for Canada’s business leaders. Again, in the LGBT community that number jumps significantly to 85 per cent.
“We envision a nation where LGBT individuals can bring their authentic and whole selves to work enabling them to achieve their full potential,” said Matt Petersen, chair of Pride at Work Canada. “It’s important to celebrate the high degree of support among working Canadians for workplace cultures that welcome LGBT employees, just as it’s vital to highlight and address the areas for improvement.”
