Picture this. A region where our world-class diversity is not only celebrated, but valued to its full potential. A region where city-building approaches are designed for and considerate of all residents. A region where all corners are thriving because of our diversity, not in spite of it. A region where the future is inclusive because it is affordable, resilient, and informed. This is the region we want to live in – are you in?
It’s 2018 – time for us to go beyond conversation and start taking action to foster inclusion. This year, we resolve to amplify and strengthen our work to create a region that works for us all and values our unique and dynamic diversity.
This past November, 150+ rising leaders came together at #ELNstudio3D to discover, decode, and drive the future of an inclusive region. We spent the day learning from diversity champions, industry leaders and each other, and brainstormed ways we can collectively build a more equitable and accessible region for all.
Now, we’re excited to share the rich insights and ideas from ELNstudio 3D and share some of the key actions we can all take to drive an inclusive future. Read our report below to find out what you can do and use #ELNstudio3D on Twitter to let us know what you pledge to do to help build a more inclusive region.
A truly inclusive GTHA will not take shape overnight, but it can start to form through dedicated action. This year and beyond, let’s work together to measure up.
It's time to measure up.
We asked members of our Emerging Leaders Network to share why building an inclusive Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area is important, urgent and requires all hands on deck.
Hear what they had to say.
Read our ELNstudio 3D Reports
ELNstudio 3D – Driving the future of an inclusive region, together.
See the rich insights and ideas from ELNstudio 3D and some of the key actions we can all take to drive an inclusive future.
Read our report here to find out what you can do and use #ELNstudio3D on Twitter to let us know what you pledge to do to help build a more inclusive region.
State of Our Region: If Diversity Is The Name of the Game, Toronto’s Not Playing Fair
In advance of ELNstudio 3D, the CivicAction Leadership Foundation and Environics Research conducted a survey to better understand how emerging leaders feel about building a more inclusive region, and to find out what they think of specific issues. What we found tells us we have more work to do. Click here to download the PDF of the data summary.
Keynotes and Honorary Speakers

Tim Hockey
President and CEO - TD Ameritrade; CivicAction Board MemberBoard Chair - CivicAction Leadership Foundation

Sevaun Palvetzian
Chief Executive Officer and Board SecretaryCivicAction & CivicAction Leadership Foundation

Richard Wiltshire
2011 CivicAction DiverseCity Fellow and 2016 - 2017 ELN Co-Chair; Regional Sales Manager, Sales SolutionsLinkedIn Canada
Plenary Discussion: The Road to Inclusion
While we are a nation that prides ourselves in our diversity, we aren’t without our challenges and the world is watching how we address issues of diversity and inclusion. This facilitated panel discussion will seek to look at Canada’s role as a leader in diversity and inclusion and the role of rising leaders in moving this conversation forward. Panelists will draw upon topics/themes such as what inclusion means in practise, how we get there, the urgency of this topic and what inclusive leadership looks like.
Whose story is it anyway - Decoding the collection and sharing of information
This breakout session will provide an in-depth look at how the information that is shared, including data, stories and news, plays a role in inclusive decision making. While information can lift voices that are often silenced and lead to decisions that are inclusive, too often the narratives that are told further marginalize communities and people. We will aim to unpack just how deeply information can impact lives.

Justin Wiebe (Moderator)
2017 DiverseCity Fellow; Capacity Building Specialist, Youth Opportunities FundOntario Trillium Foundation

Denise Balkissoon
Assistant Editor, Features, The Globe and Mail; Editor-in-chief and co-founderEthnic Aisle
Beyond Backyards and Balconies - Decoding Affordable Housing
How does our current housing landscape impact the vitality and prosperity of diverse communities across the GTHA? Decoding Affording Housing will provide cross-sectoral, inclusive look at the current GTHA housing landscape and will provide a nuanced understanding of how this challenge plays out in different communities and amongst diverse demographics.

Pat Capponi
Order of Canada Recipient; Author; Co-chair,Toronto Police Board Mental Health Sub-Committee
Flipping the coin - Decoding Economic Opportunity
This breakout session will look at which demographics currently face the greatest barriers to achieving economic prosperity, what these barriers are and innovative ways to address these barriers. Register for this breakout session to unpack the importance of equal economic opportunity in order build a resilient and inclusive future.
ELNstudio 3D Supporters:
Thank you to our Event Partners: Kilmer Van Nostrand Co.Limited and the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario; and our Event Host: The Ismaili Centre – Toronto.