BRAMPTON, ON (September 15, 2021) – This week, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services (BFES) was awarded the 2021 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC). This new award recognizes industry leaders and celebrates the work being done to ensure fire services across the country reflect that of Canada’s diverse population.
Brampton Fire and Emergency Services is committed to building a workforce of cultural acceptance and understanding that is more reflective of the community it serves. The enhancement of diversity, equity and inclusion within BFES, is a key priority and area of focus in the Council endorsed Brampton Fire and Emergency Services 2021-2025 Fire Master Plan. This plan identifies two main areas of focus – the need to educate and raise awareness within the existing workforce, and the implementation of innovative recruitment tactics and multicultural community engagement to build a diverse, inclusive and equitable fire service.
Championed by Fire Chief Bill Boyes, and led by Division Chief Ravjot Chhatwal, BFES created a strategic action plan to support enhancements to diversity, equity and inclusion within the department through:
- Consultation with multiple community stakeholders, community organizations, non-profits, cultural and faith-based organizations,
- Increasing cultural awareness and understanding within the BFES team through a series of training opportunities, and by
- Developing a recruitment strategy that breaks down traditional barriers and works to support diversity, equity and inclusion by connecting with key communities to enhance the workforce and make it more reflective of Brampton.
Brampton is a Mosaic, a diverse community that is cherished and celebrated. The long-term goals and work BFES is doing now and moving forward will help lay the foundation for a future workforce that reflects the community it serves while continuing to support community safety and well-being.
Quotes
“Congratulations to the entire Brampton Fire and Emergency Services team for their commitment to ongoing improvement in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. Brampton is a Mosaic, and it’s important that we celebrate its diversity and foster inclusivity by more effectively engaging and communicating with all groups. I am proud of the work being done by BFES to connect with Brampton’s community and establish plans for long-term growth and development.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“I am so proud of the work being done by Brampton Fire and Emergency Services and their dedication to ongoing growth and education. As identified with this award, the BFES team is recognized as a trailblazer in addressing diversity, equity and inclusion. This commitment to making meaningful change in the service and the continued investment in awareness, relationship building and education will set the team, the industry and our community up for success in the future.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton
“The commitment towards diversity, equity and inclusion from our Brampton Fire and Emergency Services team is what sets them apart as leaders in the industry and in our community. We know through taking meaningful action to foster diversity, equity and inclusion in our business – we drive an organization that is more innovative, strategic and reflective of the community it serves. I thank our Brampton Fire and Emergency Services leadership team for their ongoing action on this and moving our city and fire services forward.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton
“Congratulations to the Brampton Fire and Emergency Service for receiving the CAFC’s first annual Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award. The purpose of this award is not only to celebrate excellence, but also to share it across the country. Readers can read the full case study as well as the others at
www.cafc.ca. Thanks for sharing this great work.”
- Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 700,000 people and 75,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on
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