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N.L. funding digital storytelling series to boost diversity, inclusion in municipal sector

Newfoundland and Labrador is spending $10,000 to create a digital storytelling series to support ongoing diversity and inclusion work in the province’s municipal sector.

The series, called The Value We Bring, builds upon an earlier effort titled Make Your Mark. It was launched in advance of the 2021 municipal elections to encourage more diversity on local councils. The province touted the success of that initiative, with the number of women elected in 2021 up 10 per cent from 2017.

“The municipal sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is on the precipice of something extraordinary,” said Amy Coady, president, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. “We want to support the great people leading and working in our municipalities in ways that provide equitable opportunities and experiences, and we want to send a clear message that municipal leadership can be a place for everyone. We want you at the table. We are ensuring that we have all the best tools to make that happen.”

The new series of videos will feature women and gender diverse individuals who have experienced systemic barriers along their leadership journey, it said. The goal is to highlight these experiences and create pathways for change to support women and gender diverse individuals as they seek leadership roles in the municipal sector.

The program is collaborative public education, advocacy, and awareness initiative with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and Equal Voice NL.

“The municipal sector is seeing an increase in diversity on various levels, and this is very encouraging,” said Krista Lynn Howell, N.L.’s Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. “Still, there is more work to be done. I am pleased to support The Value We Bring project to continue this growth in diversity and inclusion. Targeted, focused actions are needed to ensure women, people with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and people of colour can take a seat at the table in an inclusive, welcoming environment.”