W.A.G.E. Anti Racism Project

Supported by Women and Gender Equality Canada, the project engaged women professionals in Alberta’s health care, social work, and education sectors. Through surveys, focus groups, and interviews, participants identified barriers such as inconsistent EDI practices, underrepresentation of Black and racialized in senior roles, and challenges in recruitment processes. Findings are being used to design industry-specific training modules, strengthen organizational culture, and develop sustainable anti-racism strategies to advance equity across Alberta’s workforce.

Looking ahead, the project will expand partnerships with educational institutions and industry leaders to pilot these strategies, ensuring long-term impact and broader application across Canada

Since Canada’s Confederation in 1867, industries have evolved largely without equal representation from all sectors of society. Many of these systems — by design or through inaction — continue to produce unequal outcomes that disadvantage certain groups.

This project examines those systemic barriers through an Alberta-focused assessment that can inform nationwide change.
While the research centers on Alberta, the findings are relevant across Canada, as all provinces face similar structural challenges shaped by legislation, industry practices, and social norms.

Through surveys, focus groups, and interviews, women professionals across Alberta identified recurring barriers:

• Inconsistent EDI implementation and accountability

• Underrepresentation of Black and racialized women in leadership

• Bias and inequity in recruitment and promotion

• Limited access to mentorship and professional networks

These insights are guiding the development of training modules, organizational tools, and anti-racism strategies to help workplaces move beyond performative diversity and toward real inclusion and belonging.