The Canada Research Chairs Program (CRCP) is implementing the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan [1] to respond to the recommendation in the program’s 15th-year evaluation that management should require institutions to adopt greater transparency in their allocation, selection and renewal processes for chairholders.  The action plan focuses on improving the governance, transparency and monitoring of equity and diversity within the program and supports universities' progress towards addressing the underrepresentation of the four designated groups (FDGs)—women, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal Peoples and members of visible minorities—within the program.  By October 27, universities were required to publish on their websites specific information regarding the management of chair allocations.

In response to this transparency requirement, the university has published  Fostering and promoting a culture of inclusion within the CRC Program at the University of Guelph [2] which outlines the ways in which the university is working with the CRCP to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.  This page also includes a link to its Canada Research Chair utilization information and to the university's equity target data.  You can now find information related to open CRC positions [3] on the university's CRC opportunities page 

The university’s CRC equity, diversity and inclusion action plan--a second requirement from the CRCP--is now being developed by the Offices of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) (Provost & VPA) and the Vice-President of Research (VPR), in consultation with the Office of Diversity and Human Rights, the Research Services Sub-Committee, and the CRC Advisory Committee [4]. The Provost & VPA and VPR share responsibility for administration and governance of the University’s CRC program. Accordingly, the action plan, which includes a revision of current CRC procedures in order to comply with both institutional frameworks and government directives, will be approved by the Provost & VPA and VPR. The amended procedures will subsequently be shared with the University Senate, through its Research Board.

If you have any questions regarding the university's response to the CRCP requirements, or regarding the university's administration of its CRC allocation, nomination and renewal processes, please contact Ailsa Fullwood, Manager Strategic Research Programs at fullwood@uoguelph.ca [5] or x 58321.