All participants agree to:

• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment. Recognize that all participants may differ in race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, civil status, age, religion, national/ethnic origin, ability, language, socio-economic background, and life experience.

• Be respectful of different viewpoints and experiences; be mindful of the words you choose and how they might impact others.

• Value a diversity of viewpoints and opinions. No judgement of other participants, their ideas, and their ways of communication.

• Demonstrate sensitivity and avoid causing harm (ex. being careful not to invalidate the lived experience of participants).

• Respect the instructions of the session facilitators.

• Recognize that English (and/or French) may not be the first language of some participants; please be patient and considerate.

• Respect personal boundaries: if physical contact or proximity is involved (for in-person event), consent is explicit, conscious, and continuous – never assumed.

• Respect others’ privacy and safety: if you wish to take photos/audio/video or share someone’s personal experience, obtain their consent first.

• Be considerate of others’ participation: allow others to speak and be heard. Avoid interrupting or speaking over someone else. Keep comments/questions concise so all have the chance to engage.

• If you witness behaviour that seems inappropriate or exclusionary, speak up if you feel comfortable — or contact one of the facilitators, who will support you.

Examples of behaviours that will not be tolerated include, but are not limited to:

• Any form of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, abuse or exclusion on grounds of race, colour, sex, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, civil status, age, religion, language, ethnic/national origin, disability, or socio-economic status.

• Insults, put-downs, belittling comments or demeaning remarks aimed at an individual or group.

• Interrupting or dominating discussions in a way that limits speaking time available to others

• Unwelcome physical contact or attention of a sexual nature.

• Sustained disruption of sessions (e.g., repeatedly interrupting, dominating discussion, preventing others from participating).

• Threats, intimidation, stalking, or behaviour which causes someone to fear for their safety.

• Taking photos or recordings of others (including speakers) without their explicit permission, or continuing interaction after being asked to stop.

• Sharing others’ personal experiences or identifying information or private communications without their consent.

• Any action that excludes participants, disrupts the event, or makes attendees feel unsafe or unable to fully participate.

If you believe someone is violating this Code of Conduct, you may:

• Approach one of the facilitators in person or via chat/email during the event.

• Report the incident with as much detail as you’re comfortable sharing by email to the Senior EDI Advisor, including: Name(s) of the person(s) involved (if known),

• Time and place of the incident,

• A description of what happened, including whether it is ongoing,

• Any other relevant context or witnesses.

• We commit to follow up within a reasonable timeframe and offer support for those who report. Reports can be confidential if needed.