Friday, March 8, 2013

We've come a long way baby

We've come a long way baby . . . but not far enough. I remember those Virginia Slims cigarette ads about the progress of women, depicting us as strong, versatile and funcky. With that progress came more choice. We were looking for more choice, and we got it. We were also looking for more power, but we didn't really get that. But it's a comin' and days like today, International Women's Day, reminds us of how far we have come, and how much further we need to go to reach equitable status in Canada - and in almost every other country in the world.
Two steps forward. One step back.
Two steps forward. Two steps . . .

Thursday, February 21, 2013

The Changing Face of Canada

What is your guess on the challenges Canada will face in the next half century, given the changing demographics?  Will it be the shift in conservative views or the shift in religion? These are some of the issues I discussed at Etobicoke Rotary last night with members of the club and affiliate clubs.

The values we hold in common as a nation will be in a state of flux as we continue to grapple with multiculturalism. What do Canadians hold dear? That needs to be the starting point of the discussion. 

When I talk about the Changing Face of Canada, I look at stats, demographics, citizenship, ghettos and how it all fits together to make a nation.


I was invited to speak about The Changing Face of Canada at Rotary in February. In this photo I am with the Presidents of Etobicoke Rotary and Toronto Rotary.  Details of my next talk are on my Facebook page: Diversity Matters by Gina Valle.





Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Why Diversity Matters

Canada prides itself on getting things right when it comes to diversity, and overall it should, but we all know that there is a long way to go before poor kids get a decent education, aboriginal communities get more respect, women break the glass ceiling, and the list goes on. I became involved in diversity issues over twenty years ago because I believed that all Canadians, no matter their accent, their skin colour or their God, should lead a fulfilling life in this country. All the projects I undertake work towards that goal. It is not always obvious, because if it were, then people would not ask me why I take on the projects that I do. Here's to being part of the solution.