Embracing IDEA
We embrace the diversity of our people through an inclusive culture that supports our co-operative values and purpose. Embedding inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) in everything we do enables us to positively impact our members, clients, employees and communities.
IDEA defined
Our IDEA principles are anchored in our co-operative identity and come to life through our purpose, vision and values.
Here’s what inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility mean to us:
Inclusion
A culture where we all feel safe and mutually respected. A place where differences are accepted and valued.
Diversity
The range of dimensions, characteristics, experiences and perspectives we all possess as individuals.
Equity
An environment where everyone is treated with fairness and where individual needs are recognized.
Accessibility
Products, services, facilities and resources are accessible to all of us, according to our differing abilities.
Stories of success
At Co-operators, who you are matters. We value diverse perspectives. Meet some of the amazing people who help make Co-operators a great place to work and grow.
In conversation with Daniel Felicetti
In conversation with Judy Torre
From commitment to action
We aspire to take measurable steps to embed IDEA in everything we do. Our vision informs our mission, which is guided by our action pillars.
Learn about our achievements in 2024.IDEA vision
Be a catalyst for a resilient and sustainable society through championing IDEA.
Our mission for IDEA
We embed inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in everything we do to positively impact our members, clients, employees and communities.
Our action pillars
Our employees
Increase representation of under-represented groups and create equitable accessible and inclusive practices and experiences for employees.
Our leaders
Establish inclusive leadership practices that promote IDEA and psychological safety for the benefit and welfare of our employees, members and communities.
Our culture
Cultivate an inclusive culture that embraces diversity where everyone feels valued, empowered and a sense of belonging.
Our business
Innovate our business services and their delivery to fulfill the unmet needs of our equity-deserving clients, members and communities.
Our community
Engage and build partnerships that advance IDEA within our communities.
How we support our diverse communities
Employee-led voluntary support groups foster an inclusive and equitable workplace, lend a voice to historically marginalized and underrepresented groups, and cultivate a culture of inclusion.
Our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation is not just an aspiration. It’s at the heart of what our organization stands for and demonstrates our co-op values in action.
As a co-operative, we are by our very nature an inclusive organization. We stand together with members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community to celebrate Pride and diversity in June, as well as year-round.
We partner with organizations that share and propagate our values. Our partners include the Circle Project, First Nations University of Canada, University of Waterloo, LinkedIn Learning and more.
As a Canadian company, we understand that our communities are diverse, and we believe that having employees who reflect the diversity of our communities makes us stronger.
Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and those who call Canada home value different things when it comes to their healthcare needs. Learn more about our inclusive group benefits coverage.