Original Article Published: What has this past year taught us?
The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the significant economic and social inequalities for marginalized and vulnerable Canadians. Canadians already excluded from job opportunities are facing greater barriers to employment, and social isolation from the pandemic is leading to deeper mental health challenges with rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder on the rise. Access to education, training, and skills to address these obstacles are now further out of reach.
We must act now if we are to address the systemic challenges the pandemic has exposed. A truly inclusive recovery won’t be about returning to the “same old”; we need to ensure every Canadian has an equal opportunity to fully participate and thrive. This means delivering large scale, lasting impact that ensures access to meaningful employment, skills development, and mental health and well-being supports.
More diversity, better solutions. To build a country where every person has an equal opportunity, we must truly embrace and welcome the full breadth of Canada’s vibrant diversity to advance greater inclusion. Organizations across the sector must work to accelerate gender parity and diversity representation in positions of influence and leadership. SPOs need to be more reflective of the diverse communities they serve, including women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Inuit and Metis, youth, newcomers, and persons who identify as LGBTQ2S+. Meaningful engagement of these voices will be critical in creating solutions that affect real change.
More partnerships and collaboration. The barriers facing vulnerable Canadians are complex and deep, and without sustainable collaboration between SPOs, the private sector, government, and vulnerable Canadians, it will be nearly impossible to lift those who have fallen through the cracks. LIFT sees the path to recovery rooted in strategic partnerships across sectors. Through these initiatives, partners can turn innovative collaboration ideas based on citizen-centered designs into progressive integrated solutions that address challenging social issues.
More employment. Building better lives for Canadians requires fostering the most resilient, innovative, globally competitive, and inclusive economy possible. More marginalized Canadians need to be engaged in meaningful employment or operating businesses, with career advancement skills, work-ready certifications, and reduced reliance on income assistance.
More efficient, resilient SPOs. Being a resilient organization is more than just adjusting during times of crises; it’s about embracing progressive, effective, and innovative approaches to emerge even stronger with a bigger impact. Through this series we have highlighted examples of SPOs that did just that – innovating not just in response to COVID-19, but positioning themselves for continued growth that will lead to enhanced efficiencies and greater impact beyond the pandemic.
Ultimately however, SPOs are only as resilient as their teams. Staff are facing unprecedented challenges of responding to evolving client needs, while balancing their own mental health and well-being. If we are to expand the efficiency, reach, and overall success of our SPOs, we must ensure supports exist to help team members when it comes to their personal well-being.
We must take this opportunity to recover as a stronger, more resilient, and the most inclusive economy and country possible - rather than return to the “same old.”
Canada is ready. We need bold solutions to scale!
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LIFT is grateful for the continued support of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, our corporate partners, pro-bono partners, and individual investors.