Gildan’s Post

As Co-Lead (alongside Ashley MacIsaac Bhavdeep Mehta) of our Canadian Race & Ethnicity BRG, 1 Community, Many Cultures at Circle K, I acknowledge today, June 27, as Canadian Multiculturalism Day. Celebrating the diverse cultural communities shaping our vibrant Canadian society is crucial, emphasizing the value of equity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Multiculturalism enriches Canada's strength through diversity, fostering a society that embraces differences. Here are some snapshots from our 3rd annual 1CMC Multiculturalism Day potluck event in Central Canada. This celebration has quickly become a beloved tradition among our team members. The anticipation of sharing and savouring a diverse array of dishes is palpable, with the samosas (kindly provided by Hemang Dave, MBA) being a particular favourite. We had the pleasure of tasting dishes such as vatilappam from Sri Lanka, babka from Poland, pastizzi from Malta, and jerk chicken from Jamaica, representing cuisines from around the globe. A highlight of the event was the Cultural Bingo game, thoughtfully organized by our co-lead, Ashley. This engaging activity was a delightful way to learn more about each other, uncovering interesting facts about our birthplaces, travel experiences, and more. THANK YOU to our community of #oneteam members who contribute to making these events so enjoyable! In conclusion, Multiculturalism stands as one of Canada’s greatest strengths; let's continue educating ourselves to contribute to the diversity and inclusivity that make our country stronger. To learn more about the Government of Canada’s actions to promote and protect multiculturalism in Canada here: https://lnkd.in/exKhhT4P #diversity #respect #inclusion #circlek #canadianmulticulturalismday

It's great to be in such a multicultural environment. It not only helps the business grow but also allows each of us to expand our horizons by learning about different cultures. This article may not be new, but it’s always refreshing to read it and just realize how multicultural KA is —from the founders to everyone else! How cool is that? :) Thanks Joy Struthers for the great piece!

🌍 *Celebrating South African Heritage Day: Embracing Diversity in the Workplace* 🌍 South African Heritage Day is more than just a public holiday—it's a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that make up our beautiful nation. It's a day to celebrate our diverse heritage and reflect on how this diversity shapes our identity and strengthens our communities. In the professional world, Heritage Day holds a special significance. It reminds us that embracing diversity isn't just about acknowledging different cultures; it's about fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and included. Here's why Heritage Day matters in our workplaces: 1. *Celebrating Diversity:* Our workplaces are a microcosm of South Africa's vibrant diversity. Recognizing and celebrating different cultural backgrounds helps build a more inclusive and dynamic work environment where everyone can contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. 2. *Fostering Inclusion:* Heritage Day encourages us to go beyond surface-level diversity and actively foster a culture of inclusion. By creating spaces where people feel comfortable sharing their stories and traditions, we strengthen team cohesion and build trust. 3. *Driving Innovation:* When we bring diverse voices to the table, we open the door to new ideas, creative solutions, and innovative thinking. Our varied cultural experiences enrich our problem-solving abilities and help us connect with a broader range of clients and communities. 4. *Building Stronger Teams:* Celebrating our heritage at work can enhance team bonding. When we take the time to learn about each other's backgrounds, we break down barriers and build connections that go beyond professional roles. As we celebrate Heritage Day, let's carry its spirit into our workplaces. Let's commit to not just recognizing diversity but actively fostering an inclusive culture where every individual feels seen, heard, and appreciated. Because when we embrace our shared heritage, we unlock the true potential of our teams and create a workplace where everyone can thrive. 🤝🇿🇦 Happy Heritage Day, South Africa! 🇿🇦 #HeritageDay #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkplaceCulture #SouthAfrica #CelebratingDiversity #InclusiveWorkplace #TeamSpirit

As individuals working with immigrants, newcomers, and refugees, we must go beyond basic communication skills and strive for a deeper understanding of cultural competency. Culture is a learned phenomenon, shaped through interactions and conversations. Cultural competency means continuous learning, showing unconditional respect, embracing differences with an open mind, and cultivating self-awareness to avoid imposing personal beliefs or values. This journey is never-ending, yet it enriches our efforts and transforms gaps into meaningful connections. Understanding culture, building trust, and fostering genuine relationships are what make our work more purposeful. Cultural competency reflects our commitment to serving in a better, more human-centered way. 🌱🌱🌱

Celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity! 🌍 On this special day, it is important to recognize the significant role that diversity plays in fostering mutual respect, collaboration, and innovation in the maritime industry. According to our "On the Pulse of Seafarers" survey, there is a positive trend: more than 92% of seafarers are happy working in culturally diverse crews. To mark this occasion, we are sharing a video featuring personal reflections from our seafarers. Diversity isn’t just about bringing together various cultures; it's about creating spaces where everyone can thrive together. #culturaldiversity #worlddayforculturalciversity #maritimeindustry #diversityandinclusion

The Power of Politeness: Why Canadians’ “Sorry” and “Thank You” Culture is Remarkable   When people think of Canada, a few stereotypes inevitably come to mind: vast, snowy landscapes, hockey, maple syrup, and, humorously, an abundance of politeness. Canadians are often caricatured for their frequent use of “sorry” and “thank you.” This cultural quirk, while sometimes the subject of light-hearted jokes, is a testament to deep-rooted respect and consideration for others, which holds valuable lessons for societies worldwide.    The frequent apologies and expressions of gratitude in Canadian culture can be traced back to a historical and social fabric that values community and cooperation. Canada’s diverse cultural mosaic, with influences from Indigenous peoples and waves of immigrants, has fostered a society where inclusivity and respect are paramount. These values are often expressed through language, with “sorry” and “thank you” serving as verbal symbols of empathy and acknowledgement.   Studies show that politeness and gratitude benefit psychological well-being, enhancing mood, and connection, and reducing conflict. In daily life, these expressions make interactions smoother, creating an atmosphere of respect and fostering community.   When Canadians routinely express politeness, it sets a positive example and creates a ripple effect. Visitors to Canada often remark on the friendliness and helpfulness of its people, an experience that leaves a lasting impression and encourages them to adopt similar behaviours. This ripple effect can extend beyond borders, promoting a global culture of kindness and respect.  Canadians’ penchant for saying “sorry” and “thank you” is more than just a cultural idiosyncrasy; it is a reflection of deeply held values of respect, empathy, and community.

I recently came across this article by Mari­a Julia Yanzi, "Latin America: 15 Cultural Insights for Successful Collaboration". While I don't fully agree with its portrayal of Latin America, I deeply appreciate this critical reminder: "Keep in mind that Latin America is not a country, but a region composed of many countries, cultures, and habits." This insight resonates far beyond Latin America. My own country, Chile, where I was born and raised, is part of this diverse region, and I’ve often seen how generalizations can oversimplify complex cultural realities. Understanding the nuances within a region—or any culture—can help us break free from assumptions, foster more inclusive collaboration, and embrace clearer, more explicit communication. Let’s commit to unpacking our assumptions thoughtfully and kindly, because cultural awareness is key to meaningful global connections. What’s your take on cultural generalizations? How do you approach this in your work? #CulturalAwareness #DiversityAndInclusion #GlobalCollaboration https://lnkd.in/gi9H7u6t

On May 21st, Canada celebrates World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue Development. Canada was the first country in the world to officially celebrate this significant day when it was first received at the 33rd UNESCO General Conference. Today is about celebrating diversity of cultures in Canada, in Cornwall / SDG PR. What is Cultural Diversity? A common misconception is that cultural diversity refers to only race or ethnicity. Culture helps shape individual’s identities, which makes every person culturally diverse. Our community includes people from various walks of life, backgrounds, and corners of the globe. People come from diverse religions, racial identities, ethnic groups, speak many languages, celebrate various holidays, listen to all kinds of music, eat different foods, and have various values systems. At the Eastern Ontario Training Board, we strive to ensure that as an organization, people feel welcomed and can work and live authentically and proudly with their unique identities.

Adapting to a new culture is a journey filled with both challenges and rewards, especially in a diverse country like Canada. Living in Toronto has been an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in Canadian culture, which stands in stark contrast to the vibrant traditions of Bangladesh and South Asia. While I’m still exploring the nuances of Canadian work culture, one difference that stands out is how we address our superiors. Back home, it’s customary to use formal titles like "Sir" or "Madam" as a sign of respect. However, in Canada, such terms are often seen as overly formal and can even feel out of place. Instead, addressing colleagues and superiors by their first names reflects the more casual and egalitarian work environment here. It’s a small but significant adjustment that highlights the cultural shift and reinforces the importance of adaptability in a new professional landscape. The cultural differences have taught me the value of open-mindedness and adaptability. From embracing new social norms to understanding diverse perspectives, every experience has been a learning moment. I’m excited to continue exploring and deeply adapting to this new culture, embracing every opportunity to grow and connect along the way. #CulturalAdaptation #LifeInCanada #NewBeginnings #DiversityAndInclusion #WorkCultureShift #CulturalDifferences #OpenMindedness #LearningAndGrowing #TorontoLife #GlobalExperience #PersonalGrowth #BuildingConnections #ProfessionalJourney #LivingAbroad

June 27 is Canadian Multiculturalism Day! 🤝 Multiculturism serves as a catalyst for innovation, creativity, and productivity by bringing together a multitude of perspectives, ideas, and experiences. Embracing this diversity not only breaks down cultural barriers but also nurtures an inclusive environment where people can learn and grow together. #MulticulturalismDay #Diversity