David Bailey, Mayor for the County of Brant, along with Chief Administrative Officer Alison Newton officially signed the municipality’s Inclusion Charter on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
In a significant step towards fostering a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community, the Charter, endorsed by Council on May 28, 2024, represents a unified commitment to creating a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered.
“Signing the Inclusion Charter marks a significant milestone in our journey towards building a more inclusive community,” explained Mayor, Bailey. “It reflects our collective commitment to fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of background or abilities, feels a sense of belonging and can thrive.”
The County of Brant’s Inclusion Charter embodies a spirit of unity and progress, affirming the County’s dedication to fostering an environment that embraces diversity as a cornerstone of strength, innovation, and cultural prosperity. By aligning efforts with various organizations and individuals, the County aims to make Brant a place where diversity is not only celebrated but also actively supported and integrated into every aspect of community life.
At the heart of the Inclusion Charter is a pledge to uphold and support federal and provincial legislation advocating for human rights and accessibility. The Charter emphasizes the importance of actively removing barriers and tailoring support to meet diverse needs. It underscores the County’s commitment to respecting all voices, ensuring that every member of the community feels heard, acknowledged, and valued.
The adoption of the Inclusion Charter coincides with National AccessAbility Week, emphasizing the County’s recognition of the vital role that diversity, equity, and inclusion play in creating accessible experiences for all. During National AccessAbility Week the County of Brant is also launching engagement for its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. The 2025-2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan highlights the County’s ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible community for all residents. By gathering feedback and engaging with the community, the County aims to develop a comprehensive plan that addresses the diverse needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The public is invited to visit the Engage Brant website at www.EngageBrant.ca/AccessibleBrant to learn more about the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan and engagement opportunities.
Moving forward, the County will also continue to expand its message and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through the development and implementation of a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy.
“We envision a future where diversity is celebrated, and every individual has equal access to opportunities and resources,” said Newton. “The Inclusion Charter sets the foundation for our ongoing efforts to cultivate a culture of inclusion, respect, and collaboration within our community.”
Once the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy is developed and approved by Council, the County will collaborate with the business community to support enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces and welcoming a diverse community.
“We believe that true progress is achieved through collective action and partnership,” added Mayor Bailey. “By working together, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all residents of the County of Brant.”
The County aims to publicly recognize businesses and community partners that adopt the Inclusion Charter and will continue to revisit the Charter to ensure its relevance and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the community.
For more information about the County of Brant’s Inclusion Charter and its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, please visit www.brant.ca/Accessibility.
