CODE - A Community Movement

What is CODE

CODE stands for Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity.

Started in 2021 by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, CODE is a community movement dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming workplaces. 

Through a national expansion, the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce is an early adopter of the program, now offering it to our members.

CODE supports you and your team’s DEI journey (wherever you are!) through peer-learning groups, workshops, human resource support, and quality curated DEI tools and templates.

CODE represents a movement of business leaders, diversity and inclusion practitioners, community advocates and those with lived experience, coming together to achieve three critical goals:

  1. Expand awareness of the opportunities for and benefits of greater diversity and inclusion in the workplace
  2. Increase the number of organizations in Winnipeg and Hamilton making a commitment to enhance inclusion and equity in their workplace
  3. Increase the implementation of measurable actions in the workplace that further these goals

CODE at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce will be a phased approach, as we add more offerings to the program.


Benefits of CODE

The research is clear – diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a key solution to economic recovery because it promotes talent recruitment and innovation.

While the moral imperative to do this work is tremendous, we lead with the business case as a business association. The business case for DEI is well-researched. Organizations that embed DEI into workplace policies, practices, and procedures perform much better than their peers who uphold the status quo.

We are here to lead and guide our members with impactful resources and events – and we believe all businesses will benefit by building a more inclusive workplace.

Benefits for more inclusive workplaces:

  • Are more likely to outperform their peers
  • Are twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets
  • Are eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes
  • Generate and foster fresh insights, new ideas and creative solutions

Draw on the full talents of their people (Source: canada.ca)


Get Involved

When it comes to diversity, inclusion and equity work, every business and individual is on their own DEI journey. CODE promotes continual learning and supports organizations and individuals wherever they are.

CODE programming is built by those who have different levels of DEI expertise and experiences.

As an organization, you can get involved with CODE by:

  • Expanding your knowledge through workshops and other events
  • Sharing CODE resources or social posts with your network, and use #CODE

Sharing your companies DEI journey and lessons to educate other Chamber
members as testimonial.

Photo Provided by The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, Photo by Mike Sudoma
Photography.

EVENTS

CODE Workshop – Navigating DEI Pushback: Engaging Staff and Implementing Policy

Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Speaker: Jaime Chinchilla, DEI Advisor, Johnston Group
Implementing DEI initiatives can be challenging, especially when facing natural pushback or resistance from staff. This workshop will equip leaders with the tools needed to engage their teams in a DEI governance model successfully. We will cover best practices for overcoming resistance, creating, reviewing, and implementing DEI policies, and fostering a culture of inclusion. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to manage DEI pushback effectively and build a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
Key points you will learn:
Strategies for engaging staff in DEI initiatives and governance models. 
Techniques for overcoming resistance and pushback. 
Best practices for creating, reviewing, and implementing DEI policies. 
How to build a workplace culture that supports DEI efforts.

All Hamilton Chamber of Commerce members have free access to this workshop. Please contact k.stiel@hamiltonchamber.ca for your promo code. 

CODE Workshop – Understanding Call to Action 92: Indigenous Engagement Beyond DEI

Thursday, April  3, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Speaker: Sandra Bender, Community Engagement and Education Program Coordinator, National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Understanding why Indigenous engagement is different from traditional DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives is crucial. While DEI focuses on creating equitable environments for all marginalized groups, Indigenous engagement requires a specific focus on reconciliation, recognizing historical injustices, and fostering meaningful relationships. This session will explore how businesses can build strong relationships with Indigenous communities and leverage economic opportunities that benefit both parties, all while respecting Indigenous sovereignty and cultural protocols.
Key points you will learn:
Deepening Understanding of Call to Action 92: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Call to Action 92 and its implications for the corporate sector, focusing on how businesses can contribute to reconciliation by adopting UNDRIP as a framework. 
Differentiating Indigenous Engagement from DEI: Learn why Indigenous engagement requires a distinct approach, focusing on relationship-building and reconciliation, rather than just inclusion, and how this can be effectively integrated into business practices. 
Unlocking Economic Opportunities: Explore how businesses can collaborate with Indigenous communities to create economic opportunities that are mutually beneficial, sustainable, and respectful of Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

All Hamilton Chamber of Commerce members have free access to this workshop. Please contact k.stiel@hamiltonchamber.ca for your promo code. 

CODE Workshop – DEI in the Community: Real Stories, Real Impact

Thursday, May 8, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Hosted on Zoom
Speakers:
Aaron Pollock, Associate & Architect, Number Ten Architectural Group
Linda Bulka, Program Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries
Join us for an inspiring workshop where three dynamic organizations from the CODE Coalition will share their remarkable journeys in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within their workplaces. This session offers a unique opportunity to learn firsthand from organizations that are at the forefront of driving positive change. Through engaging discussions and real-life examples, participants will gain valuable insights into how these businesses have successfully implemented DEI initiatives, overcome challenges, and created more inclusive environments for their employees. Whether you are just beginning your DEI journey or looking to deepen your commitment, this session will provide practical takeaways to help you make a meaningful impact in your organization.

All Hamilton Chamber of Commerce members have free access to this workshop. Please contact k.stiel@hamiltonchamber.ca for your promo code. 


FAQ

Why should my company or myself get involved?

How would CODE help me as a leader?

Is there a cost to get involved with CODE?

Who from my company should be involved with CODE?


Read the CODE Impact

The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce released two annual reports showcasing the impact CODE has had for their members. We hope to develop similar reports as we grow the program. 

Download the CODE Report 2023-2024

Download the CODE Report 2022-2023