Pride in Practice: Turning Inclusion into Everyday Action

By Jennifer Khan, Vice President, Inclusive Diversity

Pride Month is often a moment of visibility; a time to celebrate identity, progress, and the hard‑won strides made toward greater inclusion. It is also a moment of reflection: a reminder that diversity, equity, and belonging are not seasonal commitments, but responsibilities that must be carried forward every day.

Like it or not, we still live in a world where hate still exists. We see it in on our walls—online and in person, words used to incite fear, division and shame. We see it in communities—individuals, couples and families who are constantly looking over their shoulders in fear of violence. And we see it in our workplaces—the “jokes” that go too far and the accusations that “we’re all too sensitive now”. 

As an employee‑owned organization, EllisDon has long believed that people are at the centre of success. That belief brings with it an obligation to create environments where individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute fully. When people are able to bring their whole selves to work, teams are stronger, ideas are better, and outcomes improve, not just for the business, but for the clients and communities we serve.

Over the past several years, EllisDon has taken meaningful steps to create a more inclusive environment. We have enhanced our bereavement policies, pregnancy and parental leave, and family planning resources to ensure that it’s inclusive to all types of families and loved ones. Last year, we released our Gender Affirmation and Transition Guide with the help of Kiersten Mohr at Terra Firma, and we’re looking at additional ways that we can help make resources and support more accessible. All employees must complete mandatory training on Inclusive Diversity, and additional opportunities to learn about the experiences of equity-seeking groups are offered throughout the year. Finally, each year, EllisDon offices and job sites have the opportunity to show their pride by raising a flag, participating in a local parade, or having some fun at EllisDon Drag Bingo. 

While executive support has been important, the real momentum behind this work has come from our employees, especially those who volunteer their time and leadership through EllisDon’s employee-led group, PEACE. Dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive space for members of the LGBTQ2S+ community and their allies, PEACE brings together volunteers and team leaders from across the company and across the country. Through social events, industry strategy sessions, and support for other equity-seeking groups, PEACE is helping build stronger connections and foster a culture where everyone can feel safe, respected, and supported. 

While PEACE has been an important factor in the progress we’ve seen at EllisDon, creating inclusive workplaces is not the responsibility of any one group; it requires participation and accountability at every level. Allyship can take many forms: speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, making space for others to lead, and being willing to learn, even when it’s uncomfortable. Progress, particularly in established industries, has always depended on people willing to challenge the status quo and take ownership of change.

As Pride Month is recognized, the real question is not how support is shown in June, but how that commitment is carried forward. What practices will be strengthened? What conversations will continue? What barriers will be challenged, even when doing so requires effort, humility, or change?

When Pride is lived in practice, it becomes less about a moment and more about a mindset. It is a commitment to respect, fairness, and belonging that endures long after the flags come down, and one that must be reflected in actions every day.