Update on IKEA Canada commitment to supporting BIPOC communities

As a purpose-led organization where equality, diversity and inclusion are core values, IKEA strives to be a force for positive change in society. That’s why our Equality Plan is reflected in everything we do; it addresses movements throughout our workforce, business and society.

In June, we recommitted ourselves to supporting greater ethnic and racial equity and inclusion in Canada for Black people, Indigenous peoples, and people of colour (BIPOC communities). We care deeply about BIPOC communities and are determined to be a part of real change through meaningful action.

Today, we want to provide an update on these commitments:

• In the past three months, we have partnered with and donated over $200,000 to Canadian organizations dedicated to community support, advocacy, education and the advancement of systemic change including:

1. • The Black Solidarity Fund by CanadaHelps which supports charities advancing social services, economic opportunities, mental health supports, advocacy efforts, and access to education for Black Canadians.
   • National Association of Friendship Centres to help improve the lives of Indigenous peoples across the country and improve access to vital urban services.
   • Black Health Alliance to contribute to the health and well-being of diverse Black populations in Canada and support culturally appropriate health promotion activities during the pandemic.

• We have grown our partnership with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, working with them to develop resources and education for our co-workers and leaders.
• For our co-workers across Canada, we want to create an environment where everyone feels safe, included, and valued. We developed and launched a new “Equality is a Human Right, Diversity and Inclusion” training for all managers, which addresses racial inequality, anti-racism resources, unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, the understanding of privilege and allyship. We will continue introducing enhanced digital Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training to co-workers over the coming months
• We’ve continued to offer support circles for co-workers in our units across the country to speak their truth and receive support. We do this while fostering an environment in which everyone feels free and safe to engage in sustained dialogue and share their lived experience. Listening to one another – even when it’s difficult – is the only way we can learn and grow.

At IKEA, it is our ambition to become a world leader in equality. We remain resolute in our commitment to securing long-term, sustainable, and positive change for BIPOC communities in Canada, and to continuing to take a stand against racism and inequality in all forms. 

This isn’t the end; it’s another step in our journey. Expect more updates from us in the months ahead on IKEA Canada’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.