COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the way residents live, work and play in Canadian communities. More importantly, the months since the onset of the pandemic have also put a spotlight on longstanding social issues, particularly with respect to racism and achieving equality, opportunity and fairness for Indigenous communities, black Canadians and other visible minorities, including the growing number of international newcomers choosing to come to Atlantic Canada. From cultural appreciation to ensuring all residents have full access to service delivery and adequate housing and can integrate and contribute fully to our communities and economy, these issues are and will remain of fundamental importance to Atlantic Canada’s future, and a key challenge to getting our economies back up and running.

The problem – for 25+ years, while there have been some notable successes, most diversity & inclusion initiatives have driven next to no change.  From one-and-done unconscious bias trainings, to the sharing of personal stories to diverse hiring panels, these strategies have allowed organizations to signal their dedication to change without fully comprehending the realities of both social and systemic oppression.  How are these approaches scaleable or measurable?  We measure everything of value in our organizations because we need to know that our efforts are meaningful and drive value.  Where is the ROI in these initiatives? With this in in mind, Venn Innovation and the Community Solutions Network is hosting a three hour virtual “Collision Day” to bring together some of Atlantic Canada’s most innovative business and community programs together so we can leverage their learnings and build on their successes and identify new solutions to co-create connected, diverse and inclusive communities.

The morning will start off with two presentations – one from Evergreen followed by a keynote address by one of North America’s thought leaders on D&I, Dr. Leeno Karumanchery from MESHDiversity .  His will be followed by a series of breakout sessions moderated by leaders from across the region who have been involved in successful D&I initiatives. Later, community and municipal representatives will have the opportunity to meet individually with SMEs working on your community’s challenges.

Why should I attend?

This Collision Day is designed to connect tech companies with municipalities, local governments, Indigenous communities and newcomers across Atlantic Canada to explore how they can harness the power of technology to build connected, diverse and inclusive communities.

Atlantic Canadian tech companies – are you a small to mid-sized business with a passion and desire to improve your community using innovative technology? Are you looking to establish relationships with municipal and community leaders as potential customers?

Communities and Municipalities – would you like to access your province’s top tech thought leaders to help make your community a connected, inclusive place to live and work?

If so, the Venn Innovation Virtual Collision Day is for you!