York Region
York Region is committed to strong, caring, safe communities by working together to serve our thriving communities, today and tomorrow.
At York Region, our talented team of more than 5,000 employees deliver critical, front-line services to our more than 1.25 million residents, including people from all cultures, races, ethnicities, languages, religions, abilities, ages and sexual orientations. Our diverse population includes more than 230 distinct ethnic groups.
We are known for our strong and diverse economy, with a focus on technology, finance, healthcare, agriculture, agri-food and other industries. Many global corporations have headquarters or major operations in the Region, contributing to our economic prosperity.
Our residents enjoy an extensive network of parks, conservation areas and nature trails – enabling them to get outdoors and be active.
Our transportation is well-developed, with major highways and public transit systems connecting us to Toronto and neighbouring areas. This accessibility makes it a desirable location for both commuters and businesses.
Our blend of economic opportunities, cultural richness, green spaces and high quality of life has contributed to our reputation as an attractive and thriving Region within the Greater Toronto Area.
Commitment to Diversity
York Region is committed to welcoming and inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.The Inclusion Charter for York Region is a community initiative that brings together organizations with a common commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who live, work and play in York Region. The Inclusion Charter was developed by the Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Group (MDIG), comprised of 20 member organizations, including all nine local municipalities, police services, hospitals, school boards, conservation authorities and agencies. York Region co-chairs the group, along with the York Regional Police and acts as the driver and secretariat of the initiative.
When the Inclusion Charter was endorsed by Regional Council in June 2018, staff committed to providing regular updates on actions and results. Inclusion Charter Progress Reports are annual updates that highlight the progress of the Inclusion Charter for York Region, including endorsements and collective actions implemented by MDIG.
There are many actions resulting from the Inclusion Charter, such as:
- Implementation of a corporate framework for action to address anti-Black racism including a formal acknowledgement and denouncement of systemic anti-Black racism and commitment to take immediate action to address it, employee demographic data to better understand the employee landscape, an equity audit of human resource policies and practices, training to address anti-Black racism and supports for Black staff and many others.
- Workplace initiatives fostering a stronger sense of belonging at work including corporate diversity celebrations, communities of belonging (employee resource groups), quiet rooms, use of pronouns, the diversity calendar and many others.
- Education, awareness raising and training activities.
- Actions focused on Indigenous inclusion, particularly truth and reconciliation through education, awareness and reflection.
York Region is committed to taking action to achieve the vision of the Charter in our organization and in the community. We celebrate our growing and diverse population as a source of strength, vitality and economic opportunity. York Region’s commitment to inclusion enhances our ongoing work to attract and retain the best talent, promote innovation and provide an excellent customer experience.
York Region strives to reflect the diversity of the population it serves in its workforce and is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, accessibility and reconciliation.
Vision for the Future
At York Region, we envision strong, caring, safe communities through our mission of working together to serve our thriving communities – today and tomorrow by relying on our values of Integrity, Commitment, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.York Region is committed to nurturing a workplace that is welcoming and inclusive, and where all dimensions of diversity are celebrated – consistent with the Inclusion Charter for York Region.
Our employees are our greatest asset and we have an obligation to them and our community to help ensure they’re at their best. The Region is committed to providing a range of supports and resources to help employees and their families along their health journeys. With a focus on prevention, we aim to promote a positive employee experience with strategic work focused on culture and psychological health and safety.
York Region’s people-centred, evidence-based approach that is grounded in human rights provides a solid foundation for championing equity, accessibility and reconciliation in the workplace and community.