Metrolinx’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Building an Inclusive, Engaged and Equitable OrganizationEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Metrolinx
Metrolinx’s vision for a connected region extends beyond transit. It is about the possibilities that a connected region creates, and the important service that keeps our people moving.
At the core of Metrolinx’s work is a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Metrolinx is dedicated to building places of belonging for our colleagues, customers, and communities, so customers feel safe, employees supported, and communities included.
In 2022, Metrolinx established the Inclusion and Engagement office, dedicated to advancing EDI efforts across the organization. This office is lead by the Chief Inclusion Officer who reports directly to the CEO, establishing EDI as a priority at the senior leadership level.
Through strategic initiatives focused on raising awareness, building competency, and identifying and addressing systemic barriers, the Inclusion and Engagement office drives us towards building a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization.
“At Metrolinx, we embed equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into every facet of our work. From fostering an environment where our employees thrive and belong, to providing accessible and affordable transit to our customers, and authentically supporting and collaborating with our communities – EDI is an integral part of how we do business at Metrolinx.”
--- Karima Hashmani, Chief Inclusion Officer, Metrolinx
Our Journey So Far: Milestones from 2017-2022
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Action
Achievements and initiatives in 2023-24 and beyond
Recent Highlights
Launched Metrolinx's first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy
Launched Metrolinx’s first EDI Climate Survey
Became the first public transit agency in North America to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Partnered with MagnusCards to offer step-by-step digital guides that help autistic and neurodivergent individuals navigate PRESTO, UP Express and the GO Transit network
Enhanced employee learning opportunities with Indigenous awareness training
Implemented non-binary gender option for current and prospective employees
Our Strategy
In November 2023, Metrolinx launched it’s 3-year enterprise EDI strategy, “Building Spaces of Belonging” to advance Metrolinx along the path of becoming a more inclusive, equitable, and engaged organization. This strategy establishes an organizational commitment and actions to advancing EDI.
Metrolinx’s EDI Strategy was developed for our colleagues, customers, and communities.
Our Colleagues
Metrolinx strives to create a workplace where employees thrive and are supported. We value the diversity and lived experiences of employees and aim to nurture a culture of belonging where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
We are working to make our workplace more equitable and inclusive through ongoing EDI training, embedding EDI into our work, supporting Employee Resource Groups, commemorating dates of significance, and partnering with organizations such as Pride at Work Canada (PaWC) and Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).
Employee Resource Groups:
- Anishinaabe Circle
- Black Employee Experience at Metrolinx (BEEAM)
- Diverse Abilities
- Emerging Leaders at Metrolinx
- Healthy Minds
- Metrolinx Women’s Network (MWN)
- MuslimLinx
- Operations Rapid Transit Women’s Network (MWN chapter)
- PRIDE 365
- South Asian Linx
- Women’s Inclusive Network (MWN chapter)
- Women in Rail (MWN chapter)
Our Customers
Metrolinx is dedicated to providing a safe and equitable service and committed to reducing barriers and improving access. We partner with organizations like MagnusCards, AccessNow, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to create more accessible and barrier-free spaces.
Recognizing transit as an important service, we also continuously explore fare and service integration initiatives to enhance transit affordability for all.
Our Communities
Metrolinx is deeply invested in engaging with the communities we serve and leaving a positive impact. We are a supportive and trusted partner that collaborates with authenticity and cultural awareness.
We connect local communities with job opportunities through our Community Benefits and Supports Program. We engage in networking events and job fairs, specifically supporting equity-deserving communities, including women, newcomers, and racialized people.
When we engage with communities during project cycles, we are intentionally inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
We proudly and actively participate in and support cultural events that are observed by the communities we serve, such as Diwali, Caribbean Carnival, Pride, and Lunar New Year celebrations, to name a few.
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that it operates on lands that have been, and continue to be, home to many Indigenous Peoples including the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples. We are all Treaty people. Many of us have come here as settlers, as immigrants or involuntarily as part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, in this generation, or generations past. We acknowledge the historic and continued impacts of colonization and the need to work towards meaningful reconciliation with the original caretakers of this land. We acknowledge that Metrolinx operates on territories and lands covered by many treaties that affirm and value the rights of Indigenous communities, Nations and Peoples. We understand the importance of working towards reconciliation with the original caretakers of this land. At Metrolinx, we will conduct business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect and collaboration.