Purpose
Lawyersinhouse.com (“LIHDC”) was founded on the pillar of diversity, equity and inclusion. LIHDC recognizes the diverse and multicultural composition of its organization and is committed to cultivating a workplace that is free from discrimination.
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that LIHDC, all LIHDC employees, and individuals with whom LIHDC does business are treated with dignity and respect consistent with the principles outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982, being Schedule B to the Canada Act 1982 (U.K.), 1982, c. 11 (“Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms”), Ontario Human Rights Code, R.S.O. 1990 (“Code”), c. H.19, and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, S.O. 2005, c. 11 (“AODA”).
LIHDC is committed to providing opportunity, safe spaces and support to all employees and affiliates. LIHDC is a WBE Canada certified diverse supplier providing tools, connections and development opportunities to women in business.
Scope
This policy applies to all LIHDC employees, affiliates and individuals acting on behalf of LIHDC. All individuals to whom this policy applies are expected to comply with the policy when delivering services to our customers or conducting business on behalf of LIHDC.
Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:
Barrier
A barrier refers to obstacles that prevent a person from fully participating in all aspects of society. Examples of barriers include physical obstacles, architectural limitations, languages, restrictions in information or communication, negative attitudes, technological limitations, and policies or practices.
Diversity
Diversity refers to the range of differences among people. This includes any grounds listed in the Canadian Human Rights Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. H-6, Code, such as race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status and/or disability.
Equity
Equity means recognizing inherent differences between individuals and removing barriers so as to ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to pursue opportunities and fully participate in all aspects of society.
Inclusion
Inclusion means creating and promoting a workplace culture where all individuals feel welcomed and individual differences are embraced, respected, and valued.
Objectives
The objectives of this policy are to:
1. Create and maintain diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace;
2. Implement zero-tolerance for discrimination and harassment;
3. Maintain accessibility in work processes and procedures;
4. Create flexible working environments;
5. Offer employee support and resources; and
6. Identify and remove barriers
Principles
LIHDC is committed to achieving the objectives of this policy by:
1. Recruitment.
All existing and prospective employees will be treated with dignity and respect in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Code, and AODA. The Company will ensure diversity, equity and inclusion considerations are taken into account in employee hiring and appointments. It will also expand its recruitment efforts by advertising job opportunities to diversity networks and agencies, use inclusive language when tailoring job descriptions, eliminating unconscious bias during the hiring and review process and using alternative sources to reach diverse talent pools such as community groups dedicated to marginalized communities within specific industries and professions.
2. Career Development and Promotion.
LIHDC will identify, prevent and remove barriers to LIHDC opportunities and programs to ensure fair and equal access for all. LIHDC will periodically assess and review employee needs and implement accessible and flexible work environments in efforts to continuously improve LIHDC community and environment. LIHDC will also provide reasonable accommodations for those with a disability and/or needs relating to their religious or cultural practices.
3. Employee Support and Inclusion Events.
LIHDC will seek diversity, equity and inclusion enhancement opportunities and encourages employees to participate in internal and/or community-based programs which address systemic barriers to achieving balanced representation in the workplace. Such programs include providing safe spaces for communication, expression and advocacy through open dialogue and communication. In an effort to address barriers that employees may face, LIHDC offers flexible work arrangements and support for employee education and assistance and career enhancement.
4. Training.
The management team will lead the company in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. All LIHDC employees, directors, affiliates and individuals acting on behalf of LIHDC will undergo diversity, equity and inclusion training to create a safe, welcoming and professional environment for all. Diversity, equity and inclusion training will be required for all new employees during the onboarding process.
Communication
LIHDC will take steps to ensure that this policy and any revisions are communicated to and respected by all LIHDC employees, affiliates, and individuals acting on behalf of LIHDC.
Review
The Company will review this policy and evaluate its implementation and effectiveness on an annual basis