Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Under the purview of our Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE), Lakehead’s vision to be a University that is plural and diverse in its content, structures and people is guided by our mission to institutionalize equitable and inclusive principles and practices to realize a University where diversity thrives.

In 2020, the OHRE launched Lakehead University’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan — the culmination of a year-long process of planning, research and consultation by a Presidential Task Force.

Lakehead University President’s Task Force on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Membership (Current to October 2020)

James Aldridge, Vice-Provost, Lakehead University International
Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Initiatives
Dr. Elizabeth Birmingham, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences & Humanities
Frank Capadocia, Vice-President, Office of the Principal, Orillia Campus
Gautam Das, President, Lakehead University Faculty Association
Sukhraj Grewal, President, Lakehead University Student Union
Anne Klymenko, Director, Office of Research Services
 Dylan Mazur, Director, Office of Human Rights and Equity (Chair)
Dr. Heather Murchison, Vice-Provost, Institutional Planning and Analysis
Adam Shaen, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources
TBA, Representative, Lakehead University Student Union (Orillia)

EDI Committee's Terms of Reference

EDI-related Research Grants

In the fall of 2020, the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Secretariat awarded Lakehead University a grant of $50,000 to expand equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) training opportunities for senior leadership, faculty researchers and staff who are integral in supporting and implementing the University's implementation of the CRC EDI Action Plan and the University's EDI Action Plan.  The grant will provide our faculty and students with access to training offered by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) and an EDI workshop series for researchers and graduate students.  Researchers who participate in the program will be eligible to receive a Lakehead University Certificate in Inclusive Research Leadership. 

In May 2019, Lakehead University was one of 15 organizations from across Canada awarded a new grant to support and promote equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at our University.