FAQs

Diversity in the County of Brant means recognizing, celebrating, and valuing the many different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives that shape our community. Diversity includes differences in culture, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, family structure, and more. By actively learning from one another and embracing what makes each of us unique, we strengthen our entire community, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, is respected, valued, and included.

Equity in County of Brant means ensuring that everyone has fair access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed, recognizing that people may face different challenges and barriers, needing different resources to have the same opportunities. By fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background or starting point, we can create a more just and inclusive society where all individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.

Inclusion in the County of Brant means fostering a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate fully in all aspects of community life. This involves not only respecting but celebrating differences in background, identity, ability, and experience. By actively promoting a sense of belonging for everyone—whether long-term residents or new members of the community—we create a County of Brant where every person has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and make a positive impact.

In 2023, County of Brant Council approved the creation of a five-year Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and Implementation Plan. Community engagement for this project has been undertaken in response to Council’s direction.

Like many municipalities across Canada, the County of Brant is growing. The County’s diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy is about proactively fostering an inclusive community environment and staying aligned with evolving community expectations and values.

No. The diversity, equity, and inclusion  strategy is designed to benefit everyone in the County of Brant. While it will address specific barriers faced by a variety of groups, the goal is to create a more fair and more inclusive environment for all, regardless of background, identity, or experience.

The County of Brant’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy focuses on creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for all by addressing local issues like:

• improving County services 
• promoting inclusive programming within the County
• developing partnerships that meet and improve the needs of our community 

Matters such as housing prices, rental regulations, immigration policies, and other related concerns, fall under the authority of the provincial (Ontario) and federal (Canadian) governments. The provincial and federal levels of government set policies, regulations, and funding frameworks that municipalities like the County Brant are required to follow.

While we advocate for fair and equitable policies at all levels, our direct control is limited to municipal actions.

For issues managed by the provincial and federal government, we encourage residents to engage with their provincial and federal representatives, as they have the authority to implement policy changes in those areas. 

The diversity, equity, and inclusion survey has been printed in English, Arabic and Punjabi. In addition, alternate formats of the survey are available upon request to support people with low vision. Surveys can also be answered over the phone, for people preferring to do so.

The County’s goal is inclusivity, and surveys may be printed in other languages and offered in multiple formats to ensure everyone in the community can engage. We can clarify that language support is targeted and specific, based on demographic census data collected by the federal government when the last census was completed in 2021. The census data reflects the needs of Brant’s growing and diverse population.

Success will be measured through feedback from the community, progress in removing barriers, and improvements in access to services and opportunities for all residents. The County will regularly review and update the strategy to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the County.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion directly can support your personal growth, opportunities, and sense of belonging in the following ways:

• A more welcoming community: You’ll experience a stronger sense of belonging and connection with your neighbors, which can lead to new friendships, professional networks, and opportunities.
• Growth, empowerment and fair access to opportunities: Diversity, equity, and inclusion help break down barriers that might have limited your access to education, jobs, or services. Whether it’s accommodations for a disability, language support, or fair hiring practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that everyone, including you, gets a fair shot at success without fear of being judged or excluded.
• Greater understanding and empathy: Diversity, equity, and inclusion  benefits you by helping you learn from people with different experiences and perspectives, and likewise, you can help others learn from you. This can broaden your understanding, help you grow as a person, and improve your relationships with others in the community.
• A more inclusive and supportive environment: If you ever face challenges or need support, diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that the community has resources in place to help you succeed. Whether you’re looking for housing, education, or community services, these initiatives aim to provide fair access and support when you need it most.

Focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion will benefit the County of Brant in many meaningful ways:

1. Stronger sense of belonging: When people feel respected and valued, they are more likely to participate in community activities and contribute to the well-being of the County.
2. More opportunities for success: By ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities, the diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy helps remove barriers that some community members may face. This means more people can reach their full potential, benefiting both individuals and the community as a whole.
3. Improved community relationships: When we celebrate diversity and promote understanding between people of different backgrounds, it builds trust and reduces conflict. This can lead to a more supportive and connected community where people work together for common goals.
4. Creative solutions and innovation: Communities that embrace diversity gain the benefit of many different perspectives, ideas, and experiences. This diversity of thought can lead to new, creative solutions to local challenges and opportunities for growth.
5. Healthier and happier community: Research shows that inclusive communities tend to have lower rates of social isolation, better mental health, and improved overall well-being. When people feel like they belong, they are more likely to thrive.