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Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

Windsor-Essex, Ontario – NEW Diversity & Inclusion Task Force Meets with Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development to address Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Windsor-Essex 

“The incredible diversity of Windsor-Tecumseh residents is a strength of our region. I enthusiastically look forward to working with the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force to help our community fully tap into that strength, and today’s meeting with Minister Hussen – the first Somali-Canadian to be elected as Member of Parliament – brings forward a key ally to our important work in Windsor-Essex.”—Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion 

Windsor-Essex is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse communities in Canada, Windsor-Essex has a population of 27% that is foreign born, with over 100 cultures represented. With such staggering statistics, why aren’t more people of color, represented in leadership roles in business, organizations and government?

A newly formed group of diverse community leaders, have assembled for the areas first Community Driven Grass Roots Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. The task force is taking aim at addressing and developing plans to tackle inclusion and diversity within businesses and government in Windsor- Essex. The group met with Ahmed Hussen via ZOOM to initiate plans in the area, and start implementing strategies. 

“Diversity is a fact; inclusion is a choice. It’s the choice we have to make as Canadians’ – Minister Ahmed Hussen 

“Through the Workforce Initiatives Network (WIN), our goal is to mobilize change, by creating a taskforce aiming to empower, and support Windsor-Essex communities to lead the changes they want to see in the pursuit of greater diversity, inclusion and cultural representation. The taskforce will work towards supporting and leading initiatives and projects, that focus on creating an inclusive, equitable and sustainable community that reflects Windsor-Essex residents’ values.” said Nour Hachem-Fawaz, President & Founder of Build a Dream. 

“These issues have been discussed for years. We are looking forward to being part of the solution in our community. Barriers to the full spectrum of employment opportunities, income equality, and leadership roles continue to affect Black and racialized Canadians, Indigenous people, women, newcomers, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.” Irene Moore Davis 

Did you know: 

  • 27% of the total population of the City of Windsor are newcomers. 
  • 1 in 4 residents in Windsor-Essex is an immigrant.  
  • 15% of the County of Essex are newcomers.  
  • The total newcomer population in Windsor-Essex is 21%.
  • 11,540 immigrants have a university degree.
  • 6,525 immigrants have a college degree.   
  • Between 2006 and 2011 there were 10,140 newcomers who made Windsor-Essex their home. 
  • The unemployment rate among Black Canadians in 2016 was 12.5% versus 7.7% for other racialized groups and 7.3% for white Canadians.  
  • In 2016, the unemployment rate for Canadians with disabilities aged 25 to 64 years was 49%.
  • Windsor-Essex has been ranked one of Canada’s most challenging communities for women, with women constituting only 23% of elected officials and 34% of senior managers, only 53% of women employed, and 24% of women living in poverty.


“Based on our collective shared experiences – we feel that a grassroots effort begins with each organization’s own people. Diversity needs to be authentic, a priority and ingrained into the DNA of the organization, to be truly effective.” – Arms Bumanlag 

The task force is asking members of our community to join. They are encouraged to reach out to info@webuildadream.com

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