We deliver Diversity and Community Engagement (DACE) programs and services that respond to the changing needs, interests and demographics of our residents, and connect and engage our neighbourhoods and communities.

#AjaxForAll

#AjaxForAll public awareness campaign

A public awareness campaign that addresses racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia, encouraging residents to see beyond race, stereotypes and assumptions.

Ajax Diversity Exchange

Every year, the Town of Ajax hosts its Diversity Conference. Residents, businesses, community groups and organizations are encouraged to attend. Admission is free, however, attendees are required to pre-register online.

Past conferences have focused on sanctuary city policies, mental health, sexual diversity, gender expression, newcomers and technology, access to education and recognizing white privilege.
Diversity and Community Engagement Plans

In Conversation With…Speaker Series

Our In Conversation With...Speaker Series is an opportunity for our residents to engage with experts on specific topics.

This event is free to the public and welcomes residents to share ideas and have have open, honest conversations around issues of equity, inclusion and community safety. 

Speaker Series sessions take place at the St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts & Culture (78 Church Street South) Pre-registration is required. 

 

Check out our past sessions:

Sanctuary City Speaker Series Flyer  MeToo Speaker Series Flyer  Mental Health Speaker Series    

Anti-Black Racism Monsef

Indigenous Peoples Recognition

June 21 has been designated National Indigenous Peoples Day by the Government of Canada and celebrates Indigenous Peoples' culture and heritage.

Land Acknowledgement

An acknowledgment of Traditional Territory is an invitation to reflect on personal relationships with Indigenous Nations. When we acknowledge Treaty, we are asking people to explore their rights and responsibilities to place and people. And when Land is acknowledged we are encouraging you to seek out the history and teachings of the natural world.

Acknowledge Traditional Territory at your next event.

Orange Shirt Day

Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope. 

Positive Spaces

We ensure all of our spaces are Positive Spaces. Connect with the Positive Spaces Initiative by OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants for resources.

Positive Spaces are welcoming environments where individuals who identify with the LGBTQ+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer, questioning, asexual, intersex, pansexual, etc.) are able to access services with dignity and respect, and where service providers can work free from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Sanctuary Designation

The Town of Ajax is a Sanctuary Town - This ensures all residents have access to municipally-delivered services regardless of immigration status. 

UNAC Youth Symposium

Youth Navigate the Truth & Reconciliation Calls for Action

On March 20, 2019 the Town of Ajax and the United Nations Association of Canada (UNAC) hosted the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action Symposium in Ajax. 

The Town of Ajax and UNAC welcomed 160 students from 4 different educational institutions.

The symposium raised participants’ awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls for Action and engaged them in examining the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)  to gain a deeper understanding of key issues of both declarations.

Students increased their understanding of the evolving identity of Canada and its ongoing social self-examination process, ensuring that democratic principles align with society's changing demographics and the demand for harmonious diversity and inclusion. Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth were strengthened to assume a leadership role working with peers from historically marginalized communities to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

Following training in empathy-based approaches, students engaged in workshops on the Truth and Reconciliation process and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), in youth group simulations and in one youth-led symposium on Truth and Reconciliation to showcase their new knowledge and group actions designed to build inclusive communities.

UNAC Youth Symposium Flyer