Version - February 2022
CNS Commitment to Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Canadian Nutrition Society (CNS) is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the Society’s culture, operations and activities. This includes, but is not limited to access to membership, leadership opportunities and committee participation, awards and recognitions, opportunities for knowledge sharing through all forums, and employment and volunteer positions. Our commitment is founded on principles of respect, well-being, and justice for all.
CNS welcomes applications and participation of all individuals independent of sex, race, religion, Indigenous identity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression, other identities, and the intersectionality of these identities.
As a Society, our emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion is broad and embraces topics such as the impacts of ableism, ageism, citizenship status, classism, colonialism, the gender binary, heteronormativity, mental health concerns, microaggression, racism, sexism, sizeism and/or structural poverty and structural violence on food and nutrition-related health and wellbeing.
To advance equity, diversity and inclusion, CNS is committed to:
- Promoting the respectful inclusion of all people in all CNS activities and practices
- Increasing representation and participation in CNS leadership and committees by being proactively inclusive
- Collecting and analyzing data needed to advance and monitor equity, diversity and inclusion considerations within CNS and in collaboration with the Society’s nutrition-related education, training and research communities
- Taking meaningful actions to address systemic barriers to and biases in nutrition-related education, training and research opportunities
- Providing resources and opportunities to build capacity and knowledge among members on equity, diversity and inclusion in education and training, mentorship, research and practice
- Encouraging a commitment from all CNS members and collaborators to develop, foster, promote and maintain an environment that values, includes and respects all individuals. This includes promoting interactions with colleagues, staff, members, volunteers and collaborators that are free from discrimination and harassment, and reflect the values of fairness, dignity and respect
- Advancing the evidence base needed to support equity and diversity in nutritional science, knowledge mobilization, education and training, practice and service provisions
- Acknowledging treaty and/or traditional territories at conferences, meetings and events, along with fostering the knowledge and capacity of non-Indigenous CNS members to develop meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples
- Using CNS platforms to increase awareness, address oppression and advocate for food and nutrition-related health and well-being for all people in Canada
- Recognizing the importance of language. As such, CNS acknowledges that different terms are being used in this field and is committed to regularly reviewing and updating this statement to ensure that it reflects our commitment and actions
Definitions:
Equity: understanding and removing systemic barriers and biases to enable all individuals to have an equal opportunity to access and benefit from CNS-SCN membership, services and programs and be treated fairly.
Diversity: differences in individual qualities and characteristics, including race, colour, place of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origin, ability, sex, size, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and age.
Inclusion: the practice of ensuring that all individuals are valued and respected for their contributions and are equally supported; creating an environment in which differences are embraced.
Adapted from https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/nfrf-fnfr/edi-eng.aspx