PGA of Canada update on the Equity Diversity and Inclusion Task Force Implementations

As part of our commitment to keeping our membership, the golfing public, and the Canadian sport sector updated on the work we have done since the publishing of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force Report, we provide you with this report and general update from the organization, which we have committed to providing twice per year. As background, a 17-person task force, divided into six groups focused on impacted demographics (New Canadians, People of Different Abilities, BIPOC, Women, LGBTQI2S+, and Socio-Economic Status), met for 14 months between 2020-2021 and put together a full report with 88 recommendations to make the PGA of Canada and its zones more equitable, diverse and inclusive. The full task force report can be found here. “Through our EDI Task Force meetings, it was apparent that our sport has a long way to go in terms of inclusivity, and we are committed to being world leaders in this area,” said PGA of Canada President Gord Percy. “We have been continuing our work to implement all 88 recommendations from the task force. We are committed to transparency through the process as we provide bi-annual updates on the progress, challenges and opportunities ahead.” “The PGA has proven to be a leader in this field, not only among various golf bodies around the world, but all sport organizations in Canada,” continued Percy. This is the second update regarding the 88 recommendations and five-year implementation plan. The following organizational changes based on the EDI Task Force recommendations have been implemented or are in the final stages since our most recent communication this past April:

The National by-laws and the code of professional conduct are under review by the Governance Committee (plan to present to the Board for approval in February and then to the membership at the AGM in April)
Dress code policies continue to be updated to gender neutral
2 new At-Large positions have been added to the National Board, these members were selected based on gaps in the skills assessment of the Board and to diversify the makeup up of the Board
Women’s Advisory Group has been formed and is made up of members and non-members of the PGA
Finance & Audit Committee terms of reference approved and committee formed.
National Board, Zone Staff and Zone Boards have all committed to taking the Diversity & Inclusion module through the Training Academy
A diversity statement has been created for job postings moving forward. This will be rolled out in January.
Diversity questions have been added to member profile pages.
Pride gear is available through the PGA Shop as we look to expand our offerings in 2024.
Ladies lessons was changed to Women’s Lessons on our website
Find a Pro now includes a gender search engine. You can also now search for lessons and programs (specifically women's).
E-signatures have been developed for National and Zone staff that include pronouns
Pride logos have been created for the National and Zone offices
Photo contest launched and completed that helped secure more diverse imagery from across Canada
Continue to use more diverse and inclusive imagery in all marketing and communications

While the PGA of Canada is proud of the steps it has taken to be world-leaders in this area, there is still a long way to go. We promise to continue promoting an inclusive community within the membership of the PGA of Canada in which diversity is valued, and all members feel included and respected. We hope you will take the time to review the above organizational updates, as well as the EDI Task Force Report, and consider how you can help make the Canadian golf industry more inclusive, equitable, and diverse. Contact: Kendra Isaak PGA of Canada, Director of Operations Kendra@PGAofCanada.com