City of Ottawa Anti-Racism Strategy

On June 22, 2022, City Council approved the Anti-Racism Strategy. The strategy is a five-year plan to proactively identify and remove systemic barriers in City policies, programs and services. It is a first step towards creating a city where everyone feels safe, and regardless of their ethnic or racial background, can access resources and opportunities to realize their full potential.

The strategy proposes an action plan with seven areas of focus, 28 recommendations and 132 actions to be implemented over the next five years (2023-2028). Achieving racial equity is critical for the City to develop and deliver programs and services that respond to the diverse needs of Ottawa residents and create an equitable and inclusive workplace. These seven areas of the focus are:     

  • Governance     

  • Housing     

  • Economic development     

  • Health outcomes     

  • Children and youth development     

  • Achieving racial equity in the workplace     

  • Institutional practices    

The Anti-Racism Strategy will be implemented in two phases. Phase 1 (2023 to 2025) is underway. It focuses on building internal support and awareness in the workplace and collecting race-related data. The Anti-Racism Secretariat will work closely with City departments and the community to develop a strategic accountability framework during this phase, which will be published on ottawa.ca/antiracism in the spring of 2024.

Phase 1 also includes a mid-term review. Findings from the review will be built into the design of phase 2 implementation.  

The City of Ottawa is committed to anti-racism and the journey ahead to integrate racial equity into all City plans, policies and services. The success of this strategy and action plan relies on the collective efforts of everyone. This includes City Council, community organizations, City leadership teams and staff, and every individual who live, work or use services in Ottawa. 

An anti-racist city, where systemic racism is no longer a barrier to an individual’s access to safety, resources, and opportunities, can improve the overall health and well-being of all members in our community. 

Please contact us at antiracism@ottawa.ca for more information about the Anti-Racism Secretariat or the Anti-Racism Strategy.

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