The Region of Durham is proud to announce the launch of two plans designed to strengthen inclusion, belonging, and service coordination across the region: the Region's 2025-2029 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy and the 2025-2030 Durham Local Immigration Partnership (DLIP) Community and Inclusion Plan.

A unified path toward inclusive communities

The DEI Strategy marks a significant step forward in the Region's ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive, welcoming communities where everyone can thrive.

Developed through extensive engagement with with local residents, service providers, regional staff, and elected officials, the strategy reflects community voices and best practices. It also offers a strong, unified path forward: one that connects the important work already underway and sets goals, a shared vision and a long-term commitment to meaningful change.

A five-year plan to support newcomers and strengthen service collaboration

Immigration continues to drive social and economic prosperity in Durham Region. DLIP has launched its 2025-2030 Community and Inclusion Plan in response to this continued growth and a commitment to collaboration and a coordinated path forward.

The plan serves as a blueprint for DLIP, municipalities, service providers, and community partners to strengthen collaboration and support for newcomers at every stage of their settlement journey. It also emphasizes the importance of amplifying their voices, improving service navigation, and fostering connections, while prioritizing innovative and adaptive solutions that respond to their evolving needs.

Quotes:

"We are proud to share this strategy with local communities. Important DEI work has been happening across our organization for many years, but there hasn't always been a way to align those efforts across our departments or hold ourselves accountable. This strategy is a key tool to focus our actions, clarify responsibilities and meaningfully track progress."

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

"We understand when newcomers thrive, it strengthens their own future, as well as the economic vitality and social well-being of Durham. However, we also know immigrants encounter unique challenges as they build their lives in our communities. Helping them integrate, access services and fully participate in social and economic life is incredibly important, which is why the Community and Inclusion Plan is so integral to the work we do."

- Allison Hector-Alexander, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Region of Durham

You can read the 2025-2029 DEI Strategy online at durham.ca/DEIStrategy.

You can read the 2025-2030 DLIP Community and Inclusion Plan online at DurhamImmigration.ca/DLIPPlan.