In the Toronto region, where visible minorities will soon constitute the majority of the population, embracing diversity is not just about creating vibrant communities and ensuring social harmony.
Diversity, particularly in management and leadership roles, is also a vital component to building a strong corporate sector that can succeed in our increasingly global economy.
In a speech to business leaders in Toronto this week, Governor General Michaëlle Jean made a strong case for ensuring that ethnically and racially diverse Canadians can get a foot in the door — and have a fair shot at the corner office.
“Saying yes to diversity is saying yes to modernity, to opportunity, and to the very future of our country,” said Jean. “But saying no carries a huge price. For each time social exclusion closes a door, another door is opened to desolation, frustration, and despair.”
We already know those conditions lead to neighbourhoods full of poverty and criminal activity that drive up public costs and, ultimately, scare away business investment.
Politicians, community leaders and increasingly business executives themselves routinely state that Greater Toronto’s incredible diversity is one of the region’s greatest assets. And yet, visible minorities are still woefully under-represented in the upper rungs of corporations.
Studies have linked diversity in leadership to better corporate performance and more creative thinking. As we struggle to recover from the economic crisis, we ought to be more conscious than ever of these benefits of diversity.
Link: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/808037--why-diversity-matters
May 20, 2010 at 12:22 AM
In my opinion, I feel that everyone has the same rights as everyone, no matter the race, culture, sexuality, background or gender. Nothing should stop someone just because of specific characteristics of themselves they cannot change. As Michelle Jean said in the article, the future is looking to be very diverse with many different people everywhere in Canada. It gives me a positive feeling when different types of people you would not expect to see in government, hospitals, policing, and other jobs are working there successfully such as different races, homosexuals, and especially genders!
At the same time, this article brings up my hate towards racism, discrimination and stereotypes. Although we should be looking toward seeing a very diverse world, the problem is, is the world really ready? Countless times, many people get made fun of, discriminated and excluded from groups just because the colour of the skin. The problem may be decreasing, but the rate it is decreasing is only progressing slowly.
Being raised in suburbs of Scarborough, I am used to much diversity and multiculturalism, which has taught me and made me a follow a special quote of, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Translating it to life terms, it is like don’t judge a person by the colour of the skin, their culture/background or race.
While this topic has brought me some negativity, there are many plusses toward the topic of diversity. There are MANY recent developments of diversity in the world, one especially being the first black president of America, Barrack Obama. This shows the world’s progression towards the acceptance of diversity. I am greatly appreciated that Governor General Michelle Jean feels the same as I do for diversity that even other people besides the stereotypical people deserve certain jobs.
This article has also made me think of how successful R.H. King Academy may be because of the diversity and multiculturalism we have in our school as it says in this phrase, “Studies have linked diversity in leadership to better corporate performance and more creative thinking.”
Relating this back to a recent Civics class discussion, I feel this article is very important because it shows the evidence of the different ethnicities, cultures, backgrounds and genders that are entering the Canadian government that you would not expect in the past. Just think, when will the next prime minister be the non-stereotypical version of what everyone thinks, a white male. When Canada and the Canadian government will accept the new cultures, backgrounds, genders, etc, then as a country, we will be taking a big step into the future.
June 10, 2010 at 2:44 PM
I feel that Toronto is the perfect example of a city the embraces diversity. The city of Toronto has constantly been recognized as a city that possesses a variety of different religions and cultures. If the rest of Canada can follow the example Toronto sets, then I am confident that the country as a whole will be recognized for its diversity. Many countries are some what diverse, but what amazes me about Toronto is that a vast majority of our minorities are not only equal but also have equal oppurtunity. In civics class we learned that this is so rare to find in a city.
By: Eyoel
June 22, 2010 at 11:22 PM
In reading this article it has helped me to recognize that diversity is very important in our society today, and that is why I feel privileged to live in Toronto where diversity is well represented by the people. I agree that it is a great asset to have in society, where it allows for great opportunities, because of the different perspectives of people who have been raised differently. The quote by Governor General Michaëlle Jean being, “Saying yes to diversity is saying yes to modernity, to opportunity, and to the very future of our country, but saying no carries a huge price. For each time social exclusion closes a door, another door is opened to desolation, frustration, and despair”, I find to be very true. I think that when people ask why diversity is important they should think about this quote alone, because it says it all. Our society requires people of many differences to come together to come up with creative ideas to keep our world growing.