Equity, Diversity + Inclusion in Research at ECU
Emily Carr University is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and the dignity of all people. We strive to create equal opportunities in employment by identifying and removing barriers in recruitment, hiring, training and promotion, and by fostering a climate of equity across the university. Beyond federally designated groups, ECU also reviews and identifies additional underrepresented groups in our community.
Equity in Research
We recognize the importance of building a research environment that reflects the diversity of Canada’s population. Embedding equity, diversity and inclusion in our research culture fosters innovation, supports future leaders and drives systemic change.
Considering Career Interruptions
ECU acknowledges that career interruptions — such as parental leave or medical leave — may affect a candidate’s research record. Applicants are encouraged to note these impacts in their application; this information will be carefully considered during assessment.
Embedding EDI in Our Practices
By centring EDI in operations, policies and hiring, ECU’s research programs are better positioned to reflect and respond to the diverse needs of Canadian society. We have reaffirmed this commitment by endorsing the Dimensions Charter. Learn more on Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada.
Our Institutional EDI Action Plan
As a small art and design university with a limited number of CRC allocations, ECU’s Canada Research Chairs equity work is embedded within our broader institutional initiatives. Our university-wide EDI Action Plan is reviewed and updated regularly.
EDI in Research: Key Initiatives + Reporting
Emily Carr University has implemented several research-related initiatives to raise awareness and embed equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across our research culture:
- Established a Research Advisory Committee to review community consultation results and finalize the 2023–28 Strategic Research Plan with a strong focus on EDI
- Actively supports and promotes applications from underrepresented researchers for internal research grants
- Received funding through the NSERC EDI Capacity Building Grant to drive systems-level change across research and university operations
- Conducts regular reviews of policies and procedures to identify barriers and adopt more inclusive, accessible practices within Research
- Engaged consultants to develop ECU’s CRC EDI Action Plan
ECU is committed to following the Canada Research Chairs Program’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Requirements and Practices, and we acknowledge our obligations under the 2019 Addendum to the 2006 Canadian Human Rights Settlement Agreement. For more information, visit the CRC Program Statistics page.
Our commitment to EDI is clearly stated in all faculty and CRC job postings. In addition, hiring committees are asked to participate in training on EDI and unconscious bias.
View our recent EDI progress reports:
Equity Concerns, Governance + Policy
CRC equity, diversity and inclusion concerns can be directed to the AVP of Human Resources in their role as policy advisor. The advisor will consult with the President to recommend appropriate remedies, which may include formal or informal resolution processes or the involvement of an external investigator.
For more on related policies, please refer to:
- 8.12 Safe Disclosure Policy
- 8.6 Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination
- Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Misconduct
- 6.10 Dealing with Threatening Behaviour
Faculty Association members may also access support through:
- Faculty Employment Equity Committee
- Faculty Joint Consultation Committee
- Faculty Grievance Procedure
Due to ECU’s small number of CRC allocations and to meet privacy obligations under the Privacy Act, a redacted copy of our equity targets is published. For full information, visit the Canada Research Chairs Program equity targets.
CRC recruitment at ECU follows the same policies and procedures that govern all faculty, staff and researchers. For full details, visit our University Policies webpage.[Link]
Emily Carr University has participated in the Canada Research Chairs Program since 2013. In the past year, our allocation of CRCs has increased. Our current distribution is shown below.
CRC Distribution of Allocations
| ID | Chairholder | Start Date | End Date | Term | Agency | Tier | Status |
| 102541 | 2 | Available | |||||
| 102112 | 2 | Available | |||||
| 102111 | 2 | Available | |||||
| 100110 | SSHRC | 2 | Nomination Pending | ||||
| 100109 | SSHRC | 2 | Nomination Pending |
Emily Carr’s CRCP utilization (November 2024)
Three of our CRC allocations were filled in 2014 and 2015: Canada Research Chair in Art + Design Technology, Canada Research Chair in Design + Media Arts and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Studies. View current CRC job postings and previous CRC job postings (2019).