Government is strengthening its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the public service with its first diversity strategy.
The strategy, released today, Oct. 2, sets the direction for the next four years.
“We want to ensure our workforce reflects our province’s diverse population and that we deliver programs and services in a way that meet the needs of all Nova Scotians,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission. “This new strategy will raise the bar.”
Nova Scotia’s public service includes immigrants, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, African Nova Scotians, racially visible people, women in non-traditional roles, LGBTI community members, and other under-represented groups.
“Having a diverse and inclusive public service helps us achieve the objectives of the OneNS report and position the province for success in the global economy,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Diversity at every level of the public service brings a range of perspectives and fuels innovation and progress.”
The new strategy has four goals and more than 30 strategic actions that will help establish the province as a leader in diversity and inclusion.
Key actions include:
— developing a diversity recruitment strategy and ensuring the public service is representative of the public it serves
— providing enhanced and mandatory training on diversity and inclusion for all public servants
— developing a reciprocal mentorship program that pairs members of under-represented groups with senior leaders
“We are working to build a stronger public service for all Nova Scotians,” said Public Service Commissioner Laura Lee Langley. “Diverse and inclusive workplaces are key to our success, contributing to increased employee engagement and productivity, and helping attract and retain skilled, diverse and dynamic workers.”
The strategy will be implemented with government partners, including the diversity roundtable, diversity committees, and a range of employee networks.
The new diversity and inclusion strategy is available at novascotia.ca/diversity
Source: Release
