The Diversity Institute, the Future Skills Centre, and the Environics Institute for Survey Research published the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Backlash? What Canadian Workers Really Think Report, funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program. The report is based on the eighth wave of the recurring Survey on Employment and Skills, conducted by the Environics Institute for Survey Research in partnership with the Diversity Institute and the Future Skills Centre.
The survey of 5,603 people was conducted between March 12 and April 15, 2025, to examine how Canadians perceive the role and impact of EDI initiatives in the workplace and how views differ across different demographic groups. According to the research, despite some vocal opposition, most Canadians view EDI measures in the workplace positively. The survey data reveals strong support among equity-deserving groups, younger workers and those with positive job experiences.
Key findings include:
- 54% of Canadian workers view EDI efforts in the workplace positively
- 47% of Canadian workers say that their employer’s approach to EDI is having a positive impact on their work opportunities
- Most respondents in the private, public and nonprofit sectors report that EDI initiatives have had either a positive or neutral effect on their own opportunities
- Support for EDI is strongest in the nonprofit sector, where 69% view EDI positively
For further information about the research and to download the report, click here.
