UVic recognized for equity practices

The federal government’s Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP) has again recognized UVic for exceeding its equity targets in three designated groups. In 2015, of our 30 research chairholders, 30 per cent were women, 23 per cent were visible minorities and 3 per cent were Aboriginal people.

In November 2011, the CRCP launched the annual Exemplary Equity Practices Recognition Process to acknowledge universities for excellence in recruiting, nominating and/or appointing Canada Research Chairs and for meeting their equity targets for representation from four designated groups (the fourth group is persons with a disability). In 2012, UVic was the first institution to be recognized through this program.

Every three years, universities are asked to set their institutional targets for representation from the designated groups. At the same time, they are invited to apply to be recognized for their exemplary equity practices.

UVic has long demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, as reflected in the first goal of our strategic plan: “to be a diverse, welcoming learning community, with a demonstrated commitment to equity and fairness.” Our most recent Employment Equity Plan (2015-2020) defines how the university continues to monitor employment equity, including for the recruitment of Canada Research Chairs; and puts an emphasis on accountability, responsibility and transparency with respect to equity.