Purpose/Mandate

The purpose of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) Committee is to provide guidance and leadership to the OAFC membership to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive fire service. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee will seek to make the fire service in Ontario more representative of the general population of the province. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee will make recommendations to the Board of Directors.  Information will then flow through the association office to OAFC members relating to matters addressed at the committee meetings.

Scope of the OAFC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee is expected to raise, discuss, and address issues of concern that affect OAFC members, which relate to issues and matters of diversity, equity, inclusion, racial, equity, and more in the fire service. The committee is expected to direct recommendations, to the Board of Directors for further action and/or resolution.  This committee will also address issues submitted to them by the Board for deliberation and recommendation.

Role/Authority of the OAFC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Committee

Committee roles include the discussion of fire service management, organization, and legislation, as well as the delivery of fire protection services through a diversity and inclusive lens.  Committee members are responsible for environmental scanning and maintaining situational awareness to ensure that the committee is well positioned to address emerging issues. The committee may engage in discussion, research, data collection and the review of existing or emerging procedures or guidelines. The committee may invite speakers or content experts, as approved by the Executive Director. The committee will report to the Board for further action or resolution of issues. Meeting minutes will be maintained by the appointed OAFC staff representative and will be posted on the OAFC website for member reference. 

OAFC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) Committee Minutes