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Metrolinx’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Building an Inclusive, Engaged and Equitable Organization

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Metrolinx

Metrolinx’s vision for a connected region extends beyond transit. It is about the possibilities that a connected region creates, and the important service that keeps our people moving.

At the core of Metrolinx’s work is a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Metrolinx is dedicated to building places of belonging for our colleagues, customers, and communities, so customers feel safe, employees supported, and communities included. 

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Karima Hashmani

In 2022, Metrolinx established the Inclusion and Engagement office, dedicated to advancing EDI efforts across the organization. This office is lead by the Chief Inclusion Officer who reports directly to the CEO, establishing EDI as a priority at the senior leadership level.  

Through strategic initiatives focused on raising awareness, building competency, and identifying and addressing systemic barriers, the Inclusion and Engagement office drives us towards building a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization. 

“At Metrolinx, we embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into every facet of our work. From fostering an environment where our employees thrive and belong, to providing accessible and affordable transit to our customers, and authentically supporting and collaborating with our communities – EDI is an integral part of how we do business at Metrolinx.”   

--- Karima Hashmani, Chief Inclusion Officer, Metrolinx 

Our Journey So Far: Milestones from 2017-2022

  • Gender Balance established as a Strategic Objective

    2017

  • Dates of Significance Strategy launched

    MAY 2019

  • One-year workforce Inclusion Strategy approved by Senior Management Team

    JUN 2019

  • Unconscious Bias Campaign & Training launched

    SEP 2019

  • Employee Resource Groups Review and Revitalization

    OCT 2019

  • Workplace Harassment & Discrimination policy updated

    SEPT 2020

  • Launch of workforce representation census

    OCT 2020

  • Anti-Racism Awareness Campaign

    DEC 2020

  • How to be an Ally & Microaggressions Training launched

    2021

  • Chief Inclusion Officer role established

    JAN 2022

  • Inclusion and Engagement office established with expanded mandate

    APR 2022

  • First EDI Climate Survey launched

    JUN 2022

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Action

Achievements and initiatives in 2023-24 and beyond

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Recent Highlights

Launched Metrolinx's first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy

Launched Metrolinx’s first EDI Climate Survey

Became the first public transit agency in North America to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Partnered with MagnusCards to offer step-by-step digital guides that help autistic and neurodivergent individuals navigate PRESTO, UP Express and the GO Transit network 

Enhanced employee learning opportunities with Indigenous awareness training  

Implemented non-binary gender option for current and prospective employees

Our Strategy  

In November 2023, Metrolinx launched it’s 3-year enterprise EDI strategy, “Building Spaces of Belonging” to advance Metrolinx along the path of becoming a more inclusive, equitable, and engaged organization. This strategy establishes an organizational commitment and actions to advancing EDI.

Metrolinx’s EDI Strategy was developed for our colleagues, customers, and communities.  

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Our Colleagues

Metrolinx strives to create a workplace where employees thrive and are supported. We value the diversity and lived experiences of employees and aim to nurture a culture of belonging where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

We are working to make our workplace more equitable and inclusive through ongoing EDI training, embedding EDI into our work, supporting Employee Resource Groups, commemorating dates of significance, and partnering with organizations such as Pride at Work Canada (PaWC) and Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).

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Employee Resource Groups:

  • Anishinaabe Circle
  • Black Employee Experience at Metrolinx (BEEAM)
  • Diverse Abilities
  • Emerging Leaders at Metrolinx
  • Healthy Minds
  • Metrolinx Women’s Network (MWN)
  • MuslimLinx
  • Operations Rapid Transit Women’s Network (MWN chapter)
  • PRIDE 365
  • South Asian Linx
  • Women’s Inclusive Network (MWN chapter)
  • Women in Rail (MWN chapter)

Our Customers

Metrolinx is dedicated to providing a safe and equitable service and committed to reducing barriers and improving access. We partner with organizations like MagnusCards, AccessNow, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to create more accessible and barrier-free spaces.

Recognizing transit as an important service, we also continuously explore fare and service integration initiatives to enhance transit affordability for all.

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Orange Shirt Day - EDI page

Our Communities

Metrolinx is deeply invested in engaging with the communities we serve and leaving a positive impact. We are a supportive and trusted partner that collaborates with authenticity and cultural awareness​.

We connect local communities with job opportunities through our Community Benefits and Supports Program. We engage in networking events and job fairs, specifically supporting equity-deserving communities, including women, newcomers, and racialized people.

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When we engage with communities during project cycles, we are intentionally inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.

We proudly and actively participate in and support cultural events that are observed by the communities we serve, such as Diwali, Caribbean Carnival, Pride, and Lunar New Year celebrations, to name a few.

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Land Acknowledgement

Metrolinx acknowledges that we connect communities by building and operating transit within the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples, for whom these lands continue to have great importance. Treaties between First Nations and governments cover these lands, and the promises contained in these Treaties remain relevant to this day. Metrolinx and its employees are committed to understanding the history of these lands and the continued impacts of colonization and take responsibility for actions to advance reconciliation. Metrolinx will continue to seek the knowledge, expertise and experience of Indigenous partners and commits to doing business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration.