Interviews and consultations identified the following broad areas for improvement, which form the foundation for establishing future goals and objectives: 

• Increased clarity and transparency around the nomination process — including who is involved in decision-making and how those decisions are documented. 

• Greater consistency and rigor in how nominees are evaluated, with stronger alignment to ECUAD’s faculty hiring process, as outlined in the Collective Agreement Between Emily Carr University of Art + Design and the Emily Carr Faculty Association. 
  
• Structural implementation of best practices for hiring and retaining CRCs from the four designated groups (FDGs). As part of standardizing the CRC nomination process, the CRC program recommends practices proven to support greater diversity in hiring. 

The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program sets equity targets for each participating institution. 

Emily Carr University currently holds an allocation of five CRCs, which are used to attract and retain internationally recognized leaders in art, design and research. 

As of 2026, ECU meets the current CRC-mandated equity target: 50% of active CRCs must be women or from gender equity–seeking groups. 

As a signatory to the Dimensions Charter and in recognition of systemic gender gaps in national CRC allocations, ECU is committed to continuous improvement. We will continue to refine our recruitment and retention practices with the goal of exceeding our equity targets and increasing representation from all federally designated groups (FDGs). 

Accountability Leads are responsible for implementing the goals and protocols outlined in the CRC EDI Action Plan. 

They either carry out specific tasks directly or delegate projects to other university units as needed. In this role, Accountability Leads monitor progress, identify challenges and provide updates to the university community engaged in the CRC process. 

They also adapt strategies as necessary to ensure alignment with broader institutional goals and to promote a culture of accountability. 

By leading with transparency and responsibility, Accountability Leads play a key role in advancing EDI efforts and helping ECU meet—and exceed—CRC protocols. 

This plan outlines 10 key objectives, informed by the Canada Research Chairs Program’s recommended “promising practices” for advancing equity in hiring and by findings from the environmental, employment systems and comparative reviews described above.

• 7 Short-Term Objectives for implementation in current and upcoming CRC searches
• 2 Medium-Term Objectives for continued and iterative implementation
• 1 Long-term Objective for ensuring sustainable connection with Indigenous communities

Each objective includes associated actions, progress indicators, and accountability leads to support implementation and monitoring of progress.

The short-term objectives and actions outlined in the table below were applied in the CRC search conducted in Fall 2023. This plan formalizes those practices and supports their consistent implementation in current and future CRC searches.

The Canada Research Chairs Best Practices Guide is referenced throughout; any other references are specifically noted.