Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

Background

Bluebits is committed to building and fostering an organization which values diversity, equity and inclusion by encouraging respect for dignity, beliefs and ideas consistent with the principles outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the BC Human Rights Code and the Accessible for British Columbia Act (ABCA).

This policy applies to all Bluebits members, including leaders and all staff as well as individuals acting on behalf of Bluebits.

Policy objectives

Bluebits is dedicated to:

• the removal of barriers
• the elimination of discrimination and harassment
• the training and promotion throughout the organization of diversity, equity and inclusion

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply.

Diversity – Diversity refers to characteristics that make people different from each other. As listed in the BC Human Rights Code, these differences include race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability. Diversity is about the individual, it is about the variety of unique dimensions, qualities, and characteristics we all possess.

Equity – Equity is the result of a comprehensive pro-active strategy designed to ensure that all members of society have fair and equitable access to opportunities. Equity initiatives may include removing or neutralizing barriers that might limit the participation of individuals in Bluebits.

Inclusion – Inclusion is about the collective culture in the organization. It is about creating a culture that strives for equity and embraces, respects, includes and values differences.

DEI Mission

Make DEI how we work every day Our mission is to make DEI our way of doing business. We will advance our culture of belonging where open hearts and minds combine to unleash the potential of the brilliant mix of people. We will create equity by tailoring tools and resources to meet individual needs, and by continuously improving our systems and processes so everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Commitment to positive action

Bluebits is committed to building awareness and understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the organization and will advance this commitment through the following actions:

• Respecting the dignity and diversity of all people. 
• Creating an inclusive environment that is free from discrimination, harassment and bullying. 
• Enhancing their awareness of potential unconscious bias and how that might hinder our ability to be more inclusive and collaborative with one another. 
• Focusing on conscious inclusion to be more intentional with their actions to drive diversity, equity and belonging.
• Ensuring that employment-related decisions are free from discrimination. 
• Setting individual DEI goals to foster diverse representation and an inclusive environment within their teams. 
• Engaging in conscious inclusion and other behaviors that promote equity.
• Committing to an individual goal as part of annual goals- and objectives-setting to help us meet our DEI responsibilities. 
• Mitigating potential unconscious bias in employment decisions and talent practices (including performance and development, compensation, hiring). 
• Drawing from a broad pool of talent to inclusively reach talent, create diverse slates and, ultimately, a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. 
• Providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with a disability and for those with needs related to their religious observance or practices of personal religious expression. A reasonable accommodation depends on the facts and circumstances and is addressed on a case-by-case basis. 
• Creating an inclusive and safe work environment that supports DEI and behaviors that reinforce Our Credo values.

Monitoring the policy

The DEI policy shall be reviewed and its implementation and effectiveness evaluated every two years. Bluebits shall review and recommend changes to all relevant policies, procedures and practices through a diversity, equity and inclusion lens.

Right to Terminate or Amend Policy

 The Company reserves the right to modify, suspend, change or terminate this Policy at any time, in accordance with local law. This Policy does not create any contractual rights or obligations, whether expressed or implied. Subject to local law, the English-language version will prevail.