McMaster has been named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for the seventh consecutive year, in recognition of the university's commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
The annual awards highlight organizations that excel in fostering workplace diversity and inclusion.
"Receiving this recognition is a result of how McMaster intentionally fosters an inclusive environment," said Saher Fazilat, vice-president (Operations and Finance).
"As the university continues its journey towards advancing inclusive excellence, we remain dedicated to providing an exemplary employee experience with opportunities to develop and thrive in a supportive community where everyone can be their true authentic selves."
McMaster has tailored its benefits and policies to provide personalized support for employees' diverse needs.
These include offering parental leave top-ups, expanding mental health and health-care spending accounts, supporting accessibility initiatives, and working with the Indigenous Education Council to develop training and employment-related initiatives for Indigenous staff and faculty.
"We're honoured to receive this recognition, which we have received every consecutive year since 2019 as it's truly a reflection of the strong team and community at McMaster," said Wanda McKenna, associate vice-president and chief human resources officer.
"I want to thank the faculty and staff for their commitment and support of fostering McMaster as an inclusive community.
"Equity, diversity, and inclusion is a collective responsibility and though we've made great strides, there is still more to be done towards our commitment to inclusive excellence."
The updated Employment Equity Census
Following a period of consultation within the McMaster community, the university updated and relaunched the Employment Equity Census to better understand workforce composition and measure progress.
The voluntary and confidential census requests self-identification in relation to various equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of marginalized gender identity and sexual orientation communities.
The 2023 Employment Equity Census Report provides a snapshot of McMaster's workforce composition as of Oct. 20, 2023, among full-time employees.
Key Insights from the 2023 Employment Equity Census
- There has been a consistent increase in representation across employment equity groups from 2017 to 2023.
- The representation of Indigenous Peoples (2.5 per cent) and women (64.7 per cent) is higher than the Ontario labor market availability.
- Although there has been an increase in the representation of racialized persons (21.3 per cent) and persons with disabilities (5.7 per cent) from the previous year, they remain below the Ontario labor market availability.
- Leadership representation has notably increased for racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and women.
McMaster offers Inclusive Excellence Leadership Training to people leaders, managers and supervisors, to obtain the requisite skills essential to supporting diverse teams.
As well, the Employment Equity Facilitator Program continues to evolve and grow, exploring creative and meaningful ways to equip, empower and support EDI champions and advocates in the community.
There are currently over 300 trained facilitators in various units/areas across the university, which also offers additional training opportunities for faculty and staff through other channels, including the Inclusive Excellence Training and Resources.
McMaster also continues to support employee resource groups (ERGs), including the recent launch of a mentorship program and other initiatives to support employees from diverse backgrounds.
These important initiatives are led in partnership between Human Resources Services, the Equity and Inclusion Office and key community partners.
McMaster was also named one of Hamilton-Niagara's Top Employers in 2025.
Click here for more on McMaster's top employer awards.
Click here to learn more about what it's like to work at McMaster.
