2026-2027 Bow Valley
Workplace Inclusion Charter
Jump to a section: What is the WIC? | How does the WIC work? | Benefits | Who can join? | 2026-2027 Commitments
2025 Impact & Champions | Workplace Impacts | How to join | FAQs | Info for Employees | History | Acknowledgements | Request more information
What is the Workplace Inclusion Charter (WIC?)
The Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter (WIC) is a locally-driven, no-cost toolkit and recognition program supporting employers to create more inclusive workplaces in the Bow Valley.
We define an inclusive workplace as one where all employees are welcomed, respected, valued, and supported to participate, contribute, and succeed.
Through welcoming recruitment and onboarding, everyday inclusive workplace practices, and shared leadership, learning, and accountability, employers take meaningful action to remove barriers, strengthen belonging for all, and create workplaces systems so employees of all backgrounds can thrive.
The WIC focuses on:
Inclusive hiring, onboarding, and retention practices
More equitable workplace policies and practices
Leadership commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Connecting employers with local community support and services
How does the WIC work?
1: Co-Design
Industry associations, service providers, community organizations and employers come together to design the Workplace Inclusion Charter.
2: Commit
Employers sign the Declaration of Commitment to Workplace Inclusion, pledging to take meaningful action on workplace inclusion within a set timeframe.
3: Act
Employers receive tailored support, resources, and training to implement specific actions to advance inclusion in their workplaces.
4: Celebrate!
We recognize participating employers as Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Workplace Inclusion Champions.
“The Workplace Inclusion Charter not only allows our company to be held accountable to ensuring certain minimum inclusion standards are met, but also opens the door to many wonderful peer groups throughout the valley.
Access to this network of like-minded individuals helps us brainstorm and troubleshoot how we can make sustainable changes to better incorporate DEI practices into our day-to-day operations.”
— Mandy Utton, Ashton Construction Services (2023, 2024, 2025 Bronze Workplace Inclusion Champion)
What are the benefits?
Productivity
Research shows that diverse teams outperform homogeneous teams, provided inclusion is valued and protected. Your diverse colleagues have many skills and talents. Applying an inclusion lens will help identify and tap into these gifts.
Retention
As well as promoting career development and staff wellbeing, commitments in the Workplace Inclusion Charter empower team members to bring forward and resolve concerns so they are more likely to stay in your workplace.
Customer Experience
Ongoing learning and workplace development allows your employees to better work together and serve visitors from around the world. The Charter promotes free skill development opportunities to improve inclusion knowledge, skills, and understanding.
Morale
The Charter represents an opportunity to clearly declare that your diverse colleagues are highly valued. Commitments lay out simple changes to promote a sense of belonging for all.
Wellness
Newcomers and minorities face many barriers to accessing community support services, as well as health and safety information. Charter commitments help your team members access community supports so they can thrive in their community.
Recognition
Participating employers receive Workplace Inclusion Champion certificates of recognition, and media attention. These tools improve your reputation, and signal to job seekers, customers, and the community that your organization is serious about valuing inclusion.
“Being apart of the Workplace Inclusion Charter not only help companies implement inclusive workplace initiatives, but it also connects local businesses together to collaborate and share common challenges we face to create a stronger workplace environment.
It sets the precedent to other businesses for the importance and impact of having inclusive practices in your business.”
— Talia Kassner, Arctos & Bird (2023, 2024, 2025 Silver Workplace Inclusion Champion, 2022 Gold Champion)
Who Can Join the WIC?
Employers with workplaces in any of the following communities can participate in the 2026-2027 Bow Valley WIC:
Improvement District 9 (Lake Louise)
Town of Banff
Town of Canmore
Kananaskis Improvement District
Municipal District of Bighorn
Employers can be of any size, from 1 employee to 1,000+ employees
Employers can be in any industry, including government, hospitality, health, construction, non-profits
Employers must be committed to taking action to create more inclusive workplaces.
2026-2027 WIC Commitments
In 2026-2027, there are 15 commitments across three categories:
Welcoming Recruitment and Onboarding: Actions that make recruitment, hiring, and onboarding more welcoming, fair, and accessible.
Inclusive Workplace Practices: Actions that strengthen workplace practices and supports so employees feel respected, included, and able to succeed.
Leadership, Learning and Accountability - Actions that build leadership commitment, strengthen inclusion knowledge, and support ongoing improvement across the organization.
The commitments change every Charter cycle (1-2 years), and are designed to be:
Adaptable: Employers of any size and industry can complete the commitment
Feasible: Employers can complete the commitment within available time, capacity, and resources.
Impactful: The commitment will make a meaningful difference for workplaces and the local workforce, based on local insights and subject matter expertise.
Supported: Employers have access to practical resources and support from a Supporting Agency to help with implementation and problem-solving.
2025 Impact
24 Employer champions
70 Participating local workplaces
449 Actions collectively completed
5,986+ Full-time equivalent employees benefited (that’s about 38% of the Bow Valley’s Labour Force)
🏆 2025 Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Champions
2025 Gold Workplace Inclusion Champions
Employers leading in inclusion and establishing a framework for sustainable change. Gold Inclusion Champions completed at least 14 of 16 actions in 2025.
artsPlace
Banff and Lake Louise Tourism
Banff Jasper Collection by Pursuit
Banff Lodging Co.
Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (Buffalo Mountain Lodge, Emerald Lake Lodge, Post Hotel)
Fairmont Banff Springs
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Mount Norquay
Municipal District of Bighorn No. 8
Rimrock Banff
SkiBig3
2025 Silver Workplace Inclusion Champions
Employers fostering a supportive, inclusive environment for all employees. Silver Champions completed at least 10 of 16 actions in 2025.
Arctos & Bird (Juniper Hotel & Bistro, Wild Flour Bakery)
Basecamp Resorts
Fuji Starlight Express Co. Ltd (Banff Park Lodge, Bow View Lodge, Peaks Hotel & Suites)
Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley
HSS Design Build
Murrieta's Mountain Bar & Grill
Roam Transit
Town of Canmore
2025 Bronze Workplace Inclusion Champions
Employers taking foundational actions to create a more inclusive workplace. Bronze Champions completed the 5 minimum required actions.
Ashton Construction Services
Banff Canmore Foundation
Bow Valley Adult Learning Centre (Banff)
HI Banff
Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
“The Workplace Inclusion Charter program provided us with practical strategies to enhance inclusion in our workplace. We especially appreciated the plain language course, which improved our communication across the team.
The program's commitments and resources helped us create a more welcoming and supportive environment, and we encourage other organizations to take part.”
— Gabrielle Myre, Basecamp Resorts (2023, 2024, 2025 Silver Workplace Inclusion Champion)
Workplace Impacts
Individual impacts:
Behind the WIC are committed, hard-working individuals working to create more inclusive workplaces in their organizations. Here’s what we heard from individual Champions: As a result of participating in the 2025 Workplace Inclusion Charter,
96% agreed or strongly agreed that are more aware of workplace inclusion practices
92% reported a greater understanding of the benefits of diversity and inclusion
92% reported more confidence in addressing inclusion challenges
96% felt better equipped to advocate for inclusion within their organization.
96% would recommend the Workplace Inclusion Charter to a colleague
Workplace Impacts:
What we heard from Employers: As a result of participating in the 2025 Workplace Inclusion Charter,
88% of participating workplaces have implemented new or improved inclusion practices or policies
96% participating workplaces reported being better connected to community resources to support their team members
87% of participating workplaces reported having a more inclusive and welcoming workplace culture
78% agreed or strongly agreed they have benefited from mentorship or networking opportunities
50% participating workplaces reported seeing improvements in employee morale or retention
96% participating workplaces agreed or strongly agreed they are better prepared to sustain and grow inclusion efforts in the future
“The Workplace Inclusion Charter program has been a game-changer for our organization. It not only provided us with the tools and resources to foster a truly inclusive culture but also inspired meaningful change from within.
Employees feel more valued, connected, and empowered at work and in their housing. We highly recommend this program to any organization looking to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.”
— Robyn Fisher, Banff Lodging Company (2018, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Gold Workplace Inclusion Champion)
What It Means To Be A Workplace Inclusion Champion
Case Study: The Rimrock Banff
The Rimrock Resort Hotel in Banff was one of the first employers to sign on to the Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter in 2017.
Their diverse team reaped the benefits as a Gold Level Workplace Inclusion Champion.
WATCH: The Rimrock Banff’s Karli Fleury (Director of Human Resources, CPHR, PCP) shares her experience of being a signatory to the Workplace Inclusion Charter and the benefits for her organization.
Join the 2026 -2027 Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter
Step One: Sign the Declaration of Commitment to Workplace Inclusion.
Once you’ve reviewed the 2026-2027 Commitments, the first step to joining the Charter is a Declaration of Commitment to Workplace Inclusion.
We need to see two signatures from your workplace - one Senior Leader (C-suite, Executive, Director, Senior Management etc.), and one Operational Representative (example: Human Resources team member).
This is to make sure your whole organization has buy-in, which will make the program more practical, impactful, and meaningful.
Step Two: Commit and Act
Onboarding
We will send you an Welcome Package to confirm your organization is officially part of the 2026-2027 Workplace Inclusion Charter.
You will gain access to the following:
WIC Toolkit: A list of practical actions your organization can take to create a more inclusive workplace. The more actions you complete by the deadline, the higher your recognition as a Workplace Inclusion Champion. All participating employers must complete the minimum required foundational commitments.
Resources: You’ll be the first to know about training opportunities, free resources, and more.
Community: You’re not alone! Stay up-to-date with our community of peer mentors. We use an online platform called Basecamp.com to exchange questions, ideas, and resources. Connect with other local employers working to advance inclusion, just like you.
Implementation
Act: Throughout the Charter between August 2026 - November 2027, your organization will implement as many commitments as you choose. Supporting Agencies are available to help troubleshoot any questions.
Check-ins: Every month, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with Supporting Agencies and the community of other local participating employers. This is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded peers.
Evaluation
Evidence: As you complete your commitments throughout the year, you will upload evidence for feedback and evaluation. If something needs more work, you’ll have the opportunity to complete the commitment fully.
Complete as many commitments as you choose by the Charter deadline: November 30, 2027
Supporting Agencies will carefully evaluate all evidence received. Depending on how many commitments you successfully complete, we will recognize your organization as a 2026-2027 Signatory, Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Workplace Inclusion Champion.
Step Three: Celebrate!
To recognize your efforts and participation in the WIC, we will celebrate your achievements in the following ways:
media recognition
certificates
social media and website
Awards Ceremony in 2028
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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The Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter is a free local program that helps employers create workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and included.
It offers practical actions, tools, training, and local connections. Employers can also earn recognition for the steps they take. The Charter is led by the Bow Valley Immigration Partnership. Click here to learn more.
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Employers with workplaces in any of the following communities can participate in the 2026-2027 Bow Valley WIC:
Improvement District 9 (Lake Louise)
Town of Banff
Town of Canmore
Kananaskis Improvement District
Municipal District of Bighorn
Employers can be of any size, from 1 employee to 1,000+ employees
Employers can be in any industry, including government, hospitality, health, construction, non-profits
Employers must be committed to taking action to create more inclusive workplaces.
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No. The Workplace Inclusion Charter is free for local employers to join.
Each commitment includes a no-cost option for employers to complete the action. Participating employers may choose to pay for their own custom actions that meet the Charter requirements, such as tailored training, etc.
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Inclusive workplaces help people feel valued, safe, and able to contribute. This can support staff wellbeing, teamwork, retention, customer service, and stronger community connections.
The Charter gives employers a practical starting point and connects them with people and resources that can help.
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Employers begin by completing the required Foundational commitments. Organizations can choose additional actions based on their capacity, needs, and goals.
The Charter is designed to be practical. BVIP and Supporting Agencies provide resources, training opportunities, and support along the way.
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No. Workplaces of any size can successfully participate. The program is designed for organizations of different sizes and industries.
You do not need to have all the answers before joining. The Charter helps you identify realistic next steps and build from the strengths already in your workplace.
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Participating employers receive access to:
a Workplace Inclusion Charter toolkit
practical resources and templates
learning and training opportunities
connections to local Supporting Agencies that can support employees
peer learning with other local employers
a space to ask questions, share ideas, and problem-solve together
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Inclusion works best when employees know what their workplace is working on and can contribute to improvements.
We encourage employers to share their commitments with staff, listen to employee experiences, and build inclusion into daily practices.
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After the Charter deadline, participating workplaces are recognized based on the number of actions they have completed. Recognition levels include Signatory, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
We celebrate Champions with certificates, media recognition, website and social media promotion, an Awards Ceremony, and more.
Recognition celebrates action. It signals to employees, job seekers, customers, and the wider community that your workplace is taking meaningful steps toward inclusion.
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No. The Charter benefits all employees.
It began as a way to better connect employers and foreign-born residents with local supports. It has grown to address broader dimensions of diversity, equity, accessibility, belonging, and respectful workplace culture.
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That is a strong place to begin. The Charter can help you recognize what is already working, identify gaps, strengthen policies and practices, and learn from other employers.
Organizations at different stages can participate, from those taking their first steps to those building on established work.
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August 31, 2026: Employers can sign up for the Charter
August 31, 2027: Deadline to sign up for the Charter
November 30, 2027: Deadline to submit evidence for the 2026-2027 Charter (check individual commitments as some have earlier deadlines)
Early 2028: WIC Awards Ceremony
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Learn more and join the 2026-2027 Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter here: bvipartnership.com/wic#join
Information for Employees
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The Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter is a free local program that helps employers create workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and included.
It supports practical improvements in areas such as respectful communication, onboarding, staff wellbeing, access to information, learning opportunities, and workplace culture.
The goal is better everyday experiences for employees and stronger workplaces for everyone. Click here to learn more.
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No. The Charter does not certify that an employer is perfect or that a workplace has no concerns.
It recognizes employers that complete specific inclusion commitments. Recognition shows that an employer is taking practical steps to improve. It does not mean the work is finished.
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No. BVIP does not investigate workplaces, inspect employers, or handle workplace complaints.
The Charter is a support and recognition program, built on trust. It gives employers tools, learning opportunities, and guidance to help them make improvements.
If you have a workplace concern, you may wish to speak with your manager, human resources team, or another trusted support person. You can also contact the Workers Resource Centre for free support: helpwrc.org
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Yes. Employee perspectives are important because employees know what workplace practices feel like in daily life.
Employers working toward Platinum recognition are supported to involve employees in meaningful ways. This may include staff surveys, listening sessions, working groups, or opportunities to share ideas.
Your workplace should explain how it will collect feedback, how privacy will be protected, and how it will use what it learns.
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What commitments has our workplace chosen?
What changes are planned and when?
How can employees share feedback or ideas?
Who can I speak with if I need support?
How will the workplace know whether changes are helping?
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Employers can receive Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum recognition based on the commitments they complete.
Recognition is not a guarantee that every employee will have the same experience. It is a sign that the employer has completed agreed actions and is working to strengthen inclusion
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Your experience matters. A workplace may have completed Charter commitments while some employees still experience barriers or feel excluded.
If it feels safe, you can raise the issue through your workplace’s usual channels. You can also share general feedback with BVIP. BVIP welcomes feedback that can help improve the Charter and support better workplace practices across the Bow Valley. Contact us.
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The Workplace Inclusion Charter is not perfect. It is designed to grow and improve through feedback from participating employers and employees.
We welcome respectful feedback about what is working, what is missing, and what could be more impactful.
To share feedback or learn more, please contact BVIP.
History: How we started the Bow Valley Workplace Inclusion Charter
Increasingly, businesses are recognizing that inclusive practices improve innovation, retention, and productivity. Research by Deloitte, McKinsey, and more all point to the same conclusion: diverse and inclusive businesses perform better.
In 2017, Bow Valley Immigration Partnership (BVIP) pioneered the Workplace Inclusion Charter (WIC), focusing on improving inclusion for newcomers to Canada. We were the first community to launch this type of program, in partnership with community agencies and employers. Communities across Canada are now implementing versions of the Charter in their own way.
Our initial goal was to connect and support employers with local services to create more inclusive workplaces for foreign-born residents. Following the success of the first program, the Bow Valley WIC has since grown and evolved to consider other dimensions of diversity, thanks to subject matter experts from local Supporting Agencies.
In 2025, 70 workplaces participated in the Bow Valley WIC, supporting close to 6,000 full-time local employees (about 38% of the local workforce).
"A pillar or foundation to inclusivity is support, and every step of the way I felt I had the resources I needed from both BVIP, their partners, and my management to achieve our goals."
— Jimmy Ugray, HI Banff Alpine Centre (2024, 2025 Bronze Workplace Inclusion Champion)
Acknowledgements
With thanks to the 2026-2027 Co-Creators and Supporting Agencies:
The 2026-2027 WIC is only made possible with the following Co-Creators and Supporting Agencies - thank you!:
With special thanks to WIC supporters:
Bow Valley Immigration Partnership and the WIC is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Have more questions?
If you’re interested in the Workplace Inclusion Charter, but not ready to join yet, we invite you to learn more!
Find out if the WIC is a good fit for you and your team.