The CMHA Kelowna Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) committee is a confidential, safe group of individuals whose objective is to support an inclusive and collaborative workplace that fosters the health and wellbeing of all staff and volunteers.
The EDI Committee is currently comprised of:
- Interim Chair: Jessica Samuels
- Committee Member: Callum Bryce
- Committee Member: Wes Zawertailo
- Committee Member: Sydney Lekei
What does the EDI Committee do?
The EDI Committee works to review ways CMHA Kelowna can transform our internal practices when it comes to recruiting, hiring, training and developing staff and volunteers and then recommends actions in order to achieve that goal. This committee has a direct line to the CEO and the Board of Directors.
EDI Committee members are a safe place for staff to go with questions, concerns, or ideas that fall within the focus of the committee, which is to foster an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Employees are encouraged to follow designated workplace processes for immediate bullying and harassment concerns, Occupational Health & Safety hazards, human rights violations, and emergency situations. If a matter is brought forward that is beyond the scope of the committee or requires immediate response, the committee may recommend using alternative processes.
How to confidentially consult with the EDI Committee
If the topic falls within the scope of the committee, employees are encouraged to contact a member of the committee. Every effort is made to have an EDI Committee member at each site in order to make this process easier. However, individuals can contact any committee member either in person of via email. Once they are contacted, the EDI member will respond to the individual within 48 hours with:
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- The appropriate level of support and/or direction to existing internal resources.
- A recommendation that the topic to be brought forward at the next EDI Committee meeting.
Please note: While the scope of the concern may be shared with our CEO and Senior Leadership the name of the individual bringing the concern forward will not be shared without their expressed consent to do so.