Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Award of Distinction

This award encourages businesses to embrace cultural differences and build relationships with diverse communities. By demonstrating these qualities, businesses can create a more inclusive workplace for all employees.

Specific Qualifications:

Incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizational strategy Introduce initiatives/programs/projects that contribute to the advancement of EDI and have made progress towards stated goals Demonstrate methods to support an equitable and inclusive working environment Incorporate initiatives that demonstrate respect for EDI grounded in human rights Measurably improved business performance through inclusive business practices

For example:

• A strategic plan that embeds a commitment to the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion;
• A tool or practice that provides accommodations for an equity-seeking group e.g. increased accessibility for people with disabilities, or is designed to address racism;
• An initiative or action aiming at adapting or changing procedures, policies, or practices to make them fair or more inclusive;
• Fostering inclusive excellence in achieving diversity, equity, and inclusion goals;
• Exemplifying leadership in fostering an inclusive workplace.

General Eligibility Requirements:

To be a valid entry in the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction, your business must:

• Be operational in Alberta for a minimum of 3 fiscal years unless otherwise stated
• Be operating in Alberta at the time of nomination and at the time of the awards presentation
• Employ Albertans to produce goods and/or provide services
• Not have won in the same category in the past three years
• Not have anyone in your management, on your board, or in your employ serving on the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction judging committee for the category
• If you are a non-profit organization, no more than 30% of annual revenue can be directly funded by Government envelopes. This does not apply to regular procurement