Diversity and Inclusion Statement For more than 75 years, the Fulbright program has promoted diversity and inclusion in all of its programs. At Fulbright Canada, now entering our fourth decade, we have been steadfast in our commitment to diversity and inclusion and to the goal of advancing equality. Canadians value an inclusive country, where equity is deeply embedded in the social fabric, and diversity is welcomed. Our identity is expressed in the shared values of openness, fairness, and tolerance. In a statement to the House of Commons on 8 October 1971, Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau announced multiculturalism as an official government policy. Multiculturalism was intended to preserve all individuals’ cultural integrity and provide recognition of the cultural contributions of diverse ethnic groups. Instigated by the Canadian federal government, multiculturalism as an ideology emphasizes the social importance of immigration. This commitment has subsequently been broadened to include the rights and freedoms to all persons, and, most significantly, those from underrepresented populations. Fulbright Canada is committed to these values and to the principles and practices that flow from them. All of our practices relating to recruitment, grantee support, alumni relations, partnerships, hiring, and operations conform to these values and are reflected in the commitments listed below. Diversity has many forms, including, but not limited to, identity, thought, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, language, and socio-economic realities. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion requires that we continually and critically examine our past, current practices, and future actions. Fulbright Canada is fully committed to transparency and openness and has created an avenue for everyone to reach out for support and offer feedback. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in the Fulbright Canada community has the opportunity to be heard.
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