Learn more about DEAI below.

  • Localized procurement
  • 2SLGBTQIA+
  • Accessibility

    Coming soon

  • DEAI in the workplace
  • Anti-black racism
  • Glossary of out-of-date terms

    As we all know, words matter. Being careful and intentional with our language goes a long way when striving to make a safer and more inclusive workplace and community. Please read below for a list of commonly used words that can be harmful to communities around you.

    CONTENT WARNING: Some of the terms below may be offensive or triggering. Please use caution before scrolling down.


    • Ghetto: Often associated with those of low-income background or marginalized communities.
      • Accepted alternatives:
        • Low income
        • Impoverished
        • Low social economic status
    • Powwow: A traditional Indigenous practice.
      • Accepted alternatives:
        • Huddle
        • Party
        • Cheer session
        • Debrief
        • Gratitude Circle

    • OCD: Self-prescribed mental ailments can cause harm to those around you who actively live with such disabilities.
      • Accepted alternatives:
        • "I am not myself today"
        • "I am feeling a bit overwhelmed"
    • Savage: What western settlers called Indigenous people
      • This term is offensive and has no effective meaning and should be refrained from usage.
    • Crippled: Outdated, offensive term for persons with disabilities.
      • This term is offensive and has no effective meaning and should be refrained from usage.
    • Sunshine: Former racial slur used for Black people in the time of enslavement and segregation
      • This term is offensive and has no effective meaning and should be refrained from usage.
    • Cakewalk: Former racial slur used for a dancing contest among African Americans in which a cake was awarded as a prize.
      • Accepted alternatives:
        • Easy
        • Very manageable
        • Light work
    • Sex Change: This term is harmful to gender-fluid individuals
      • Accepted alternatives:
        • Transitioning
    • Low hanging fruit: symbolic connection to the lynching of blacks that occurred frequently for decades.
      • Accepted alternatives:
        • Easy
        • Efficient
        • Easily obtainable
    • Peanut gallery: Old reference to a section of the crowd where low-income folks would sit, ultimately discrediting their opinions.
    • Spirit animal: A form of cultural appropriation – best practice to avoid this phrase out of respect to Indigenous communities and Neighbours.

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