Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
June
June
1-30
LGBTQ2S+ Pride Month
Pride Month refers to the month of June when LGBTQ2 communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, talent, and contributions of LGBTQ2 communities in many Canadian cities. Historically, pride gatherings emerged from the first large-scale protests for LGBTQ2 rights, which took place in Canada with demonstrations in Ottawa and Vancouver in 1971, 50 years ago.
June
1-30
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, an opportunity to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
It's a time to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples, who have lived on this land since time immemorial. We encourage all Canadians to take time to learn more about Indigenous Peoples and to explore our collective past. Knowing and acknowledging the past and its ongoing impacts is the first step towards healing and reconciliation.
June
16
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is symbolic of the lessons of sacrifice, devotion, and willingness as told by the story of Prophet Ibrahim. As one of the most important holidays in Islam, every year, Muslims celebrate by gathering with family and loved ones to pray, showing gratitude for life’s blessings, sharing festive meals, and providing food to those in need. Begins at previous sundown.
June
19
Juneteenth
Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day and also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture.
June
21
Indigenous People's Day
Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly called National Aboriginal Day, and is annually held on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples. There are three Aboriginal groups in Canada, the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
June
23
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED)
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is an annual celebration of women within the engineering industry. The aim is to raise awareness of exciting careers and opportunities within the industry.
July
July
1
Canada Day
Canada Day is the national day of Canada. A federal statutory holiday, it celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867, with the passing of the British North America Act, 1867 where the four separate colonies of Upper Canada, Lower Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were united into a single Dominion within the British Empire called Canada.
July
7
Hijra-Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year, also known as the Arabic New Year or Hijri New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. The day that marks the beginning of a new lunar Hijri year, and is the day on which the year count is incremented. In the Islamic calendar, days begin at sunset. The first year of this calendar began in Gregorian CE 622 when the Prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina with his companions.
July
18
Mandela Day
In 2009 the United Nations General Assembly declared Nelson Mandela's birthday (July 18th), Nelson Mandela international day. Nelson Mandela Day, is a day to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the first president of South Africa, and anti-apartheid activist, and an advocate for community service. On this day we celebrate the idea that everyone has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact.
August
August
1
Emancipation Day
Emancipation Day commemorates the Abolition of Slavery Act, which became law on August 1, 1834. This act freed more than 800,000 people of African descent throughout the British Empire. Since then, Emancipation Day has been celebrated on August 1 each year. Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada. Each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination.
August
5
Civic Holiday (Ontario)
Civic Holiday is a public holiday in Canada celebrated on the first Monday in August. Though the first Monday of August is celebrated in most of Canada as a public holiday. The civic holiday is not a statutory holiday.
September
September
2
Labour Day
Labour Day is a statutory public holiday in Canada that occurs on the first Monday in September. It is one of several Labour Day celebrations that occur in countries around the world. Traditionally, Labour Day was an occasion to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights during parades and picnics organized by trade unions.
September
18
International Equal Pay Day
In November 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming September 18 as International Equal Pay Day. A day to bring awareness of the deep concern with slow progress in women's economic empowerment, the undervaluing of work traditionally held by women, and the difficulties in tackling pay inequality.
September
22-28
Gender Equality Week
Gender Equality Week is September 19-25. This week is an opportunity to celebrate the progress Canada has made to date in advancing gender equality, while reflecting on the work that remains to make sure that everyone – regardless of their gender – can reach their full potential. Gender equality benefits everyone—women, men, non-binary people and people of all gender identities—and can lead to greater health, happiness, and economic prosperity. When we take steps to advance gender equality, we can remove the barriers that hold us back and create a world of possibilities.
September
30
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday that honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
October
October
1-31
Latin American Heritage Month
Labour Day is a statutory public holiday in Canada that occurs on the first Monday in September. It is one of several Labour Day celebrations that occur in countries around the world. Traditionally, Labour Day was an occasion to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights during parades and picnics organized by trade unions.
October
1-31
Islamic Heritage Month
The Parliament of Canada proclaimed October Canadian Islamic History Month in 2007 in recognition of significant contributions Muslims have made to Canadian society. Islamic Heritage Month is a time to reflect, celebrate, learn, and appreciate the diversity within Canada's Muslim communities.
October
1-31
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The purpose of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is to mourn victims, celebrate survivors, and network for change. This national event takes place each year during the month of October to connect advocates working o end violence against women and kids.
October
1-31
National Women's History Month
October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada. There is an annual month-long celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history.
October
1-31
Autism Awareness Month
October is Autism Awareness Month, providing an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about this condition and about how we can support people living with autism, their families and their caregivers.
October
2-4
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah, is a two-day observance and celebration literally translating to ‘head of the year. It is the Jewish New Year Festival, starting on the first day of Tishrei, the Jewish calendar’s first month. It is marked by the blowing of the shofar, and begins the ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur.
October
10
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma
October
11-12
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a day-long fast, confession, and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
October
14
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving or Thanksgiving Day, is an annual Canadian holiday, held on the second Monday in October, which celebrates the harvest and other blessings of the past year.
October
16-23
Sukkot
Sukkot, is a Torah-commanded holiday celebrated for seven days from the 15th day of the month of Tishrei. It is one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals on which those Israelites who could were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple at Jerusalem.
October
16
International Pronouns Day
Pronouns are words used instead of a noun in a sentence. This day takes place on the third Wednesday of every October, and helps to create awareness around “respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace,” and to encourage inclusive language for those who may identify as transgender, gender nonconforming, non-binary, gender neutral and more.
October
18
Person's Day
October 18 is Persons Day in Canada. It marks the day in 1929 when the historic decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons” was handed down by Canada’s highest court of appeal. This gave some women the right to be appointed to the Senate of Canada and paved the way for women's increased participation in public and political life. Though this decision did not include all women, such as Indigenous women and women of Asian heritage and descent, it did mark critical progress in the advancement of gender equality in Canada. On Persons Day, we honour the bravery and determination of the Famous Five whose landmark case helped pave the way for women to participate equally in all aspects of life in Canada. We also honour all those whose work in the years since then has expanded and strengthened those rights.
October
29
Diwali / Deepavali Begins
Diwali also known as Deepavali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November). One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance."
October
31
Halloween
Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honour all saints. Afterwards, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
November
November
1-30
Hindu Heritage Month
Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years. November is a month to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values that are integral to Hinduism and practiced by millions around the world today. It is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance, and inclusion.
October
2
All Souls' Day
All Souls' Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed and the Day of the Dead, is a day of prayer and remembrance for the faithful departed, which is observed by Roman Catholics and other Christian denominations annually on 2 November.
November
2
Day of the Dead (Ends)
The of the annual Mexican celebration, Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). When families gather to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit the living families in homes, businesses and cemeteries.
November
3
Diwali / Deepavali Ends
Diwali also known as Deepavali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. The festival usually lasts five days and is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar month Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November). One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance."
November
11
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Canada since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. Remembrance Day is observed on the 11th of November to recall the end of First World War hostilities. Hostilities that formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918.
November
15
Bandi Chhor Divas
Bandi Chhor Divas also known as the Day of Liberation is a Sikh celebration that commemorates the day the sixth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Hargobind was released from Gwalior Fort where Emperor Jahangir had held him at the Gwalior Fort for several months.
December
December
1
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day, designated on 1 December every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
December
3
International Day of Persons With Disabilities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year on 3 December. The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life..
December
6
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honour all saints. Afterwards, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
October
10
Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is celebrated annually around the world on 10 December every year. The date was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations.
December
25
Christmas
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night.
Dec/Jan
25-1
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, is a Jewish festival also known as the Festival of Lights that commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival.
Dec/Jan
26-1
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa, including West and Southeast Africa.
December
31
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve. In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve also known as Old Year's Day, the last day of the year, is on December 31. In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink, and watch or light fireworks. Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia.
