Description
A critical component of sustainability justice and equity is widespread education of the history of Indigenous groups, the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Neutral Peoples, and systemic racism. There must be a strong understanding of the barriers that prevent the full participation of some groups in climate action, for our community to identify and eliminate them.
This action will be done by all municipalities and partnering businesses, organizations, and community capacity builders. The intention is to move TransformWR implementation forward with a new governance structure that will support deeper connections, and emphasize the need for all organizations in Waterloo Region to incorporate education on sustainability justice and equity into all climate action planning.
THE CITY OF KITCHENER
The City of Kitchener, in collaboration with the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre (WRSBC), launched the second year of its SDG Talks speaker series in November 2024. The series features 12 talks exploring the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how we, as individuals, can help create a more socially and environmentally sustainable planet. To learn more about the SDG Factory click here.
In 2025, The City of Kitchener in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies delivered the Youth Climate Action Fund for a second year. The learn more, click here.
REEP GREEN SOLUTIONS
Reep's team participates in equity training for staff and board members monthly and at a more in-depth level quarterly.
Reep Green Solutions has a robust strategy for equity, diversity, inclusion and indigenization. Implementation of the strategy is ongoing with 34 of 51 actions identified completed or in progress.
SUSTAINABLE WATERLOO REGION
Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR) continues to host equity, diversity, reconciliation workshops for business that are accessible to the broader business community.
WR COMMUNITY ENERGY
The HPDS has a robust community engagement plan including engaging with equity seeking groups. As WR Community Energy puts more emphasis on decarbonized heat in Waterloo region, our vision and objectives ensure equitable solutions that serve the needs and opportunities for our entire community.