Embrace Diversity. Be the Change

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Embrace Diversity. Be the Change.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Embrace Diversity. Be the Change

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Clarington is growing—and with that growth comes the opportunity to build a more inclusive and connected community. To make that happen, it’ll take ongoing effort from all of us. Our new campaign, Together, We Are Clarington, highlights the importance of diversity, belonging and taking action against racism.

The Municipality of Clarington recognizes that ethno-cultural, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religious affiliation, age, and other aspects of identity collectively impact and form our life experiences and how we interact within our communities. We value the diversity of the people and communities we serve.  

The need to belong is universal and fundamental. We recognize that there is work to be done to close the belonging gap. Clarington is committed to closing the gap and creating an inclusive, equitable and safe community. 

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy

The Municipality of Clarington’s 2024-2027 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism (IDEA) Strategy reflects Clarington’s vision to create a connected, dynamic and welcoming community focused on the future while respecting the past.

The Strategy recognizes and celebrates the efforts of Clarington’s internal and external diversity and inclusion committees and is a continuation of their foundational work.

Equity and Inclusion Lens

Inclusion is about building environments and cultures where people with diverse identities feel like they belong, can work and live to their full potential with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination, and participate freely in the life of the community while retaining authenticity, uniqueness and autonomy.

An Equity and Inclusion Lens is like a pair of glasses that help you see things with a new or different perspective. It’s an easy-to-use tool made up of three questions that prompt us to think about inclusion in our work. Using the lens helps us consider potential impacts of programs, services and initiatives on the diversity of our employees and customers.

Inclusive Language Manual

Inclusive language includes words and phrases that can be used to help make everyone feel welcomed and accepted. The words we use and the way we speak to one another can have a big impact on the people we are interacting with, influencing how they feel about themselves and how others perceive them.

The Inclusive Language Manual is created using the concepts of diversity and inclusion. Applying the learning in the manual will help increase awareness about relevant terminology and help us to avoid using language that is insensitive or demeaning.

Find suggestions on what words to avoid, alternate wording options and opportunities to expand understanding through self-led activities.

We encourage you to use the manual to help you become more aware of the communities around you and bring diverse perspectives into your daily activities.

Sacred drums during spiritual singing. A high angle view of a woman wearing native headband and colourful clothes during a singing circle of people around a sacred mother drum outdoors.

Indigenous Support and Resources

Learn about the area's Indigenous history, land acknowledgments, residential school impacts, and resources supporting truth and reconciliation.

Group of diverse friends.

Anti-Racism and Anti-Hate

Learn how Clarington promotes anti-racism, equity, and inclusion through education, community support, and local initiatives.

Crowd of multiracial people having fun together with pride flag.

2SLGBTQIA+

Clarington supports 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, offering resources, allyship, and safe spaces for all gender identities and expressions.

A blind woman walks outdoors using a cane along a tactile yellow tile.

Accessibility

Clarington strives to provide accessible programs, services and resources to all of our residents.

Group of young happy multi racial business people communicating and sharing ideas while working together in the modern office.

Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee

The Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee advises Council on issues affecting diversity in our community to help reduce barriers and promote inclusion.

Side view portrait of successful businesswoman using wheelchair at meeting and talking to group of colleagues in modern office space.

Clarington Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee advises and assists Council in developing strategies toward a barrier-free Clarington for all citizens.

Diverse group of people having a meeting.

Clarington Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee

The Clarington Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee advises Council on issues related to ant-Black racism in Clarington.

Contemporary diverse students with papers.

Clarington Diversity Leadership Bursary

Learn about the Clarington Diversity Leadership Bursary supporting students who promote inclusion, equity and positive change in our community.

Region of Durham Resources

Durham Immigration Portal

Find settlement services and resources for newcomers.

Illustrated hands holding up children to keep them safe.

Community Safety and Well-Being

Durham Region's first Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan.

Stay in touch

From upcoming park openings to local events, development proposals, things to do in Clarington, construction notices and service interruptions – we invite you to learn what’s happening in your neighbourhood right from the source.