Calgary's commitment to anti-racism
Calgary's Commitment to Anti-Racism
The City of Calgary is committed to actively dismantling systemic racism, the root causes of racial inequities and injustices in municipal programs and services. Calgarians, including City employees, have told us that systemic racism impacts them. About 7,000 people have provided their experiences through a public hearing, facilitated sessions and surveys since 2020.
We continue to collaborate with community groups and individuals committed to allyship and racial equity as well as Indigenous, Black and diverse Racialized community leaders focused on racial justice. We also work closely with the Anti-Racism Action Committee, a diverse group of community members who advise Council on systemic racism. For more information on The City’s anti-racism work, contact ARinfo@calgary.ca.
Inspiring Change Together
From launching our Anti-Racism 101 training to analyzing and recommending changes to more than 70 City policies, learn how we’re driving strategic change across City business units and in the community in our latest Impact Report. It highlights the accomplishments and initiatives that advanced the implementation of the Anti-Racism Strategic Plan and opportunities ahead to advance this essential work.
Key Milestones
The City of Calgary has been working on becoming an anti-racist organization for several years. The process kicked off with a call to action from Calgarians and has reached some key milestones along this journey.
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April 2025 Launched the Seeds of Change Fund to support anti-racism in the community
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October 2024 Anti-Racism 101 employee training launched
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In working toward becoming an anti-racist organization, one of the key areas of focus for City employees is learning about systemic racism and racial discrimination. In October 2024, we launched the Anti-Racism 101 online training for employees.
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March 2024 Dismantling Systemic Racism, Transforming Lives conference held
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The City of Calgary’s Anti-Racism Program hosted its first ever Racial Justice Conference from March 18-19, 2024. It provided attendees with opportunities to develop and apply anti-racism knowledge, skills and practices through speaker presentations, workshops and more.
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May 2023 The City of Calgary Anti-Racism Strategic Plan launched
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Dismantling Systemic Racism, Transforming Lives: The City of Calgary Anti-Racism Strategic Plan 2023-2027 outlines focus areas and strategic actions for addressing systemic racism.
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March 2022 United Against Racism: Hearing the Voice of Youth
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The City of Calgary Anti-Racism Program Team empowered Indigenous and Racialized youth to share their vision and recommendations of an anti-racist Calgary.
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March 2021 Anti-Racism Program established
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The Anti-Racism Program was established to address systemic inequities and to ensure that the lived and living experiences of Indigenous, Black and diverse Racialized communities are reflected in City programs and services.
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October 2020 Anti-Racism Action Committee established
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The Anti-Racism Action Committee (ARAC) was formed in 2020 to help support the learning, action, and need to combat systemic racism in Calgary. They advise Council and provide leadership on developing and implementing a community-based anti-racism strategy
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July 2020 Public hearing on systemic racism
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A three-day special meeting was held on July 7, 2020 by the Standing Policy Committee on Community and Protective Services on Calgary’s commitment to anti-racism. It included a panel of experts and a public hearing on systemic racism.
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June 2020 Notice of Motion
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In the Notice of Motion Calgary’s commitment to anti-racism Council directed The City of Calgary to begin consultation on systemic racism, establish an Anti-Racism Action Committee to develop and implement a community-based anti-racism strategy, and a number of other initiatives.
Topics in this section
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Dismantling Systemic Racism, Transforming Lives: The City of Calgary Anti-Racism Strategic Plan 2023-2027 outlines focus areas and strategic actions for addressing systemic racism.
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We offer funding for projects that aim to eliminate racism and discrimination, build understanding and create opportunities for Indigenous, Black and diverse Racialized people.
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The Anti-Racism Action Committee is responsible for the development and implementation of a community-based anti-racism strategy that achieves the goals outlined in the Notice of Motion.
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The City's anti-racism journey started with a call to action and petition from Calgarians. View the Council updates to learn about key milestones.
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Fostering learning opportunities is integral to our commitment to anti-racism. Explore a variety of resources, including organizations, programs, and research, to enhance your understanding.