Charter Adopted by:
Belleville is a growing community with strong local roots and global connections. Our diversity enriches community life and strengthens the local economy. To support a competitive and resilient economy, Belleville must continue to attract, retain, and support talent from a wide range of backgrounds—connecting people to meaningful work and creating workplaces where they feel welcome and valued.
Belleville has long benefited from a diverse population, and research continues to demonstrate that inclusive workplaces drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth. By fostering inclusive employment practices, Belleville is working toward a community where individuals of all backgrounds can contribute fully and succeed.
About the Workplace Inclusion Charter
The City of Belleville Workplace Inclusion Charter (WIC) is a partnership between Economic Development, City of Belleville and the Quinte Local Immigration Partnership (QLIP).
Belleville’s Workplace Inclusion Charter is a voluntary and self-directed initiative that supports employers in creating safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. The Charter focuses on advancing equitable employment practices for equity-deserving populations, including:
- newcomers
- racialized and visible minority communities
- people with disabilities
- Indigenous peoples
- linguistic minorities, including Francophones
- women
- youth
- older workers
- LGBTQ2S+ communities
Through collaboration with local employers, the Charter encourages practical inclusion initiatives that contribute to equitable workplaces and a stronger, more welcoming community.
City of Belleville Leadership
In March 2023, the City of Belleville became the first workplace in the community to adopt the Workplace Inclusion Charter. As a signatory, the City makes annual commitments to develop inclusion plans and take action toward building a welcoming and inclusive workplace.
The City of Belleville, Economic Development is a member of the National Workplace Inclusion Charter Community of Practice.
Key Definitions
Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of human qualities and attributes—both visible and invisible—within a group, organization, or community.
Equity means fair, inclusive, and respectful treatment that recognizes differing needs and experiences. Equity acknowledges that equal treatment does not always produce equal outcomes.
Inclusion is the outcome of diversity and equity in action. It reflects workplaces where people experience a genuine sense of belonging and are supported to grow, contribute, and participate in decision-making.
Inclusive practices benefit many groups, including newcomers, racialized persons, women, youth, older workers, and LGBTQ2S+ communities. These groups remain a focus of inclusion strategies due to ongoing systemic barriers to employment and advancement. The City also recognizes that discrimination can affect people in many ways and that individuals often experience multiple, intersecting barriers.
A Forward-Looking Commitment
The Workplace Inclusion Charter provides Belleville employers with an opportunity to prepare for the future of work. By embracing inclusive practices, organizations strengthen their ability to attract talent, adapt to change, and contribute to a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable community.
The Charter Process
Every workplace is at a different stage in its inclusion journey. The City of Belleville encourages Charter signatories to take self-directed, meaningful, achievable steps that reflect their unique context.
Endorse
Each year, organizations begin by signing the Charter Declaration and committing to one year of active participation, including the development of an Inclusion Plan.
Assess and Set Goals
Signatories are invited to use the City’s free EDI Self-Assessment Tool, completed by employees and leadership. Participants receive a Workplace Inclusion Charter Data Report outlining three recommended actions to support early progress.
This analysis is delivered in partnership with Kingston Employment and Youth Services (KEYS), leaders in advancing Workplace Inclusion Charters in Ontario and co-facilitators of the National Workplace Inclusion Committee’s Community of Practice.
Implement
Organizations develop and implement an inclusion work plan with clear goals and measurable outcomes. Leadership engagement, internal communication, and ongoing evaluation are key to sustained progress.
Celebrate
Signatories are encouraged to recognize milestones and achievements—internally and publicly. Celebrating progress reinforces commitment, supports team morale, and signals that workplaces in Belleville value inclusion.
Sign the Charter
Join Belleville employers in building inclusive, equitable, and future-ready workplaces.
For more information please contact Victoria Watts, Business Growth & Retention Specialist, Economic Development, City of Belleville at vwatts@belleville.ca or 613-967-5260.