Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) is proud to celebrate Black History Month in February and will continue to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as key priorities in the building industry.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize the history, heritage and contributions of Black Canadians to our country and the construction industry here in Ontario,” says RESCON president Richard Lyall. “RESCON, along with its employer and labour partners, are committed to ensuring that the residential construction industry remains welcoming and inclusive for people of all backgrounds.”
In 2020, RESCON spearheaded formation of an Anti-Racism Roundtable to combat anti-Black racism in the construction industry by raising awareness, creating and sharing resources, and engaging with the next generation of construction workers. In 2021, developers, contractors, associations and workers from the residential construction industry signed the Toronto Declaration of Inclusive Workplaces and Communities and committed to standing up to promote inclusive, equitable, safe and respectful workplaces.
“This month, we celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of Black Canadians to the construction industry,” said Amina Dibe, manager of government and stakeholder relations at RESCON and chair of the Anti-Racism Roundtable. “We also recognize that more work is needed to foster diversity in the construction industry.”
Next month RESCON will be hosting an event in recognition of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. More details on how to participate will be shared in the coming weeks.
