The 50 – 30 Challenge: Your Diversity Advantage

The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations. The program’s goal is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

Use our resources to help you throughout your journey of becoming an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible organization.

About the 50 – 30 Challenge

About the 50-30 Challenge

The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations. The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

The 50 – 30 Challenge asks that organizations aspire to two goals:

  1. Gender parity (50% women and/or nonbinary people) on Canadian boards and/or in senior management; and
  2. Significant representation (30%) on Canadian boards and/or senior management of members of other equity-deserving groups, including those who identify as Racialized, Black, and/or People of Colour (“Visible Minorities”), People with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples. The program and participants recognize Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit, as founding Peoples of Canada and underrepresented in positions of economic influence and leadership.
About Egale Canada and the 50-30 Challenge

Egale Canada is one of five organizations selected by the Government of Canada as a 50 – 30 Challenge Ecosystem Partner. Together with our collaborating partners, we are contributing to the Ecosystem by:

  1. Helping Challenge participants assess the current state of equity, diversity and inclusion in their workplaces through benchmarking.
  2. Building capacity through increased understanding of promising practices for inclusion across five equity-denied groups
  3. Identifying clear and detailed roadmaps for improving equity, diversity and inclusion for Challenge participants.
  4. Creating a policy help desk to work with participants on their unique roadmaps
  5. Producing virtual workshops and resources for Challenge participants to improve the state of inclusion at their workplace.
About the Collaborating Partners

Collaborating Partners

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7A043D1DwA

We recognize that every organization is unique and requires a custom approach to building a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace. As such, we are collaborating with organizations that represent and advocate for various equity-denied groups.

Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)

One of five National Indigenous organizations recognized by the Government of Canada. Founded in 1971 as the Native Council of Canada (NCC) and represents the interests of all off-reserve status and non-status Indians, Métis and Southern Inuit Aboriginal Peoples, and serves as the national voice for its provincial and territorial affiliate organizations.

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)

As a national registered not-for-profit organization committed to supporting and promoting the meaningful and equitable employment of persons with disabilities, we believe that it is essential to partner and form alliances with groups and organizations representing persons with disabilities; and to work closely with all levels of government to influence change in policy reflecting a strengthened commitment to persons with disabilities.

EQUAL VOICE

Founded in 2001, Equal Voice is a multi-partisan organization dedicated to electing and supporting women at all levels of political office. Our vision is gender parity in politics.

Fondation Émergence

Fondation Émergence works to educate, inform and sensitize the population to the lived experiences of people within a broad range of sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

About the Ecosystem Partners

Ecosystem Partners

Five organizations were selected to support 50 – 30 Challenge participants by helping them become more responsive to their diversity and inclusion needs. How? They recognize that each organization is unique and requires a custom approach to building a more diverse workplace.

The Ecosystem Partners will work alongside your organization to develop your diversity and inclusion plans as well as develop a culture of change and to help you reach your 50 – 30 Challenge goal.


The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations.

Foundations Resources

Every journey has a starting place. Use these resources to build a foundational understanding of the 50-30 initiative and the foundations of inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility

eCourse: What is IDEA?

This microlearning module takes an in-depth look at IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility.

Microlearning Bibliography

eCourse: Tackling Workplace IDEA Misconceptions

In this microlearning course, we will explore ten of the most critical misconceptions surrounding IDEA and provide actionable tips on how to address them effectively.


The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations. The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

Recruit Resources

Unlock the power of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in your organization with our comprehensive learning content designed to guide you through attracting and hiring diverse talent. Gain the skills and strategies to build a vibrant, more inclusive workforce.


Creating the Role

Job Posting IDEA Checklist

A comprehensive checklist that highlights best practices for creating and reviewing accessible job postings.

Job Posting Template

An accessible job posting template that can be edited to suit your organization’s needs, to be used in combination with our other recruitment resources.

Creating the Role

To be used by the hiring manager or HR to outline the specific responsibilities of a new position and the associated necessary qualifications.


Recruiting and Interviewing

Understanding Inclusive Recruitment

This e-module learning course will equip you with the knowledge and basic skills to make your recruitment process more inclusive and effective.

Sample Form: Accessor’s Rubric

A rubric for assessors to evaluate candidate skills, make additional comments and note which parts of the hiring process they were involved in.

Sample Form: Hiring Checklist

To be used by HR or hiring manager to ensure final candidate has submitted all necessary supporting documents.

Appropriate & Inappropriate Interview Questions

Use this resource for examples of appropriate and inappropriate interview questions related to
protected grounds.

All Applicant Checklist

To be used after incomplete applications are removed and before the shortlisting process to sort large amounts of applicants. This form is best suited for a larger applicant pool.

Choosing the IDEAL Candidate for Interviews (eLearning)

In this microlearning module, we will explore the essential steps and considerations for reviewing applicants and creating a shortlist with an IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility)(opens in a new tab) lens (or, in a nutshell, IDEAL), helping your organization prioritize equity and inclusivity in the hiring process.

Creating the IDEAL Hiring Committee (eLearning)

In this microlearning unit, we will discover how leaders of small and medium-sized organizations can foster diversity and boost the effectiveness of their hiring committees. 

IDEAL Interviews (eLearning)

In this microlearning module, we will explore and understand the “why” behind some recommended practice for conducting equitable interviews. We will also discover how to run interviews with IDEA practices leading the way.

The Egale Hiring Tool

How to use:

Discover Egale’s Hiring Tool in this first microlearning module of the series. Learn the importance of rubrics and step-by-step instructions to set up the ‘Definitions’ tab in the automated hiring spreadsheet.

Continue your journey with Egale’s Hiring Tool in this second microlearning module. Discover how to use the automated spreadsheet to evaluate cover letters and CVs of shortlisted candidates through the IDEA framework.

Master the final steps of inclusive hiring with the third module in our Egale Hiring Tool series. Learn how to effectively use the Hiring Tool during interviews and in selecting your final candidate, ensuring your process aligns with the IDEA framework.


Onboarding the Employee

Onboarding Checklist

A comprehensive new employee onboarding checklist that can be edited to adapt to

Onboarding Informational Template

Information a new employee might need to know for their first day and onwards, formatted as a check list or an informational packet to be emailed before a start date.


The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations. The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

Include Resources

Foster the growth and development of diverse talent within your organization through our curated learning content. Explore inclusive practices, mentorship programs, and strategies that empower individuals to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives, fueling innovation and driving collective success.

Universal Washrooms:
A Quick Guide

This microlearning module will help you explore how to create, regulate, and educate about universal washrooms.

Accessible and Inclusive Washrooms:
Addressing Concerns

This module will check your readiness to address difficult conversations and help you review some promising practices for tackling accessible and inclusive washroom-related concerns.

Name and Pronoun Changes in the Workplace

This microlearning discusses name and pronoun changes in the workplace. By the end of the module you will:   

  • Have a better understanding of how to navigate name and pronoun changes in your workplace. 
  • Have insight into the multiple ways names and pronouns may change. 
  • Understand how respecting names and pronouns can be culture and/or gender-affirming. 

Sample Gender Diversity Accommodations Plan

This resource provides an example of an effective, individualized accommodation plan that incorporates the benefits of other universally designed policies, to provide systemized support to gender transitioning employees

Inviting Feedback as a Leader

A great way to gather critical feedback as a leader is by asking guiding questions. While feedback in
every area can be beneficial, this document focuses on questions that foster feedback around
inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).

IDEA Training: Find Your Journey

In this microlearning module, we will help you define the purpose behind your organization’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA)(opens in a new tab) initiatives and the IDEA training topic areas that can help you address various aspects of inclusivity within your workplace.


The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations. The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

Retain Resources

Retaining and nurturing diverse talent is key to organizational success. Dive into our tailored learning content that equips you with the tools and insights to create an inclusive workplace culture, fostering employee growth, satisfaction, and long-term commitment.

SOGIESC Inclusion Policy Brief

Use this brief on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and (Gender) Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC)-inclusive workplaces to as an intro to developing policies that are relevant to the organization and its communities to better ensure workplace belonging and inclusion.

eCourse: Tackling Workplace IDEA Misconceptions

In this microlearning course, we will explore ten of the most critical misconceptions surrounding IDEA and provide actionable tips on how to address them effectively.

Addressing Biased Language in Performance Reviews 

Use this tool to conduct performance assessments to be clear, objective, and as unbiased as possible.

IDEA Considerations for Writing Performance Reviews

Use this resource to create written performance reviews with IDEA in mind to hold both employees and their managers accountable to measurable performance metrics and goals.

IDEA Performance Review Template

This is a performance review template for implementing a more structured performance review centered around employee growth and maturation in a role can improve employee satisfaction and harness untapped potential. 


Name and Pronoun Change Procedure Checklist

A checklist to track employee name/pronoun change procedure. Modify this document to suit your organization’s needs.

Employee Name Change Sample Form

This form can be used by any employee seeking to change their name and/or pronouns at work. It should be easily accessible and combined with organizational supports to streamline the process. You may choose to use or modify this form according to your needs.   

The 50 – 30 Challenge is an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations. The goal of the program is to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.

Additional Resources

What Works Toolkit

The What Works Toolkit is an online resource designed to support Canadian organizations looking to adopt or enhance their equity and diversity practices. Each tool offers concrete actions to help organizations set out policies and approaches for recruitment, mentoring, promoting, and retaining board members and employees. It also includes anti-racism, anti-harassment, and inclusive workplace strategies, and features Canadian organizations that have successfully integrated diversity and inclusion into their long-term vision. Let’s all play our part to create and maintain an inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe and valued, and can reach their highest potential.

Webinars

About Egale and Our Collaborators

Black Women in Leadership Perspectives on Workplace Inclusion

The Importance of Representation in Governments

Welcoming LGBTQ+ employees in SMEs and non-profits

Help Desk

Are you looking for assistance with achieving your 50-30 Challenge goals, have questions about 50-30 Challenge resources or learning products? Contact the 50-30 Challenge support team with your inquiries.

Contact our helpdesk at 1-855-755-5030 or 50-30challenge@egale.ca