Diversity Equity & Inclusion

he BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) resides on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ / Halq’eméylem / hənq̓ ̓əmin̓əm̓ Peoples, on whose territory we operate our main office. As an organization that represents the vital and sacred resources of water and the people who work every day to keep our water systems clean and safe, we recognize the generations of Indigenous Peoples who have been stewarding these lands and waters since time immemorial. The BCWWA is committed to measurable and meaningful action towards reconciliation that aligns with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP), as well as seeking out knowledge of traditional ecological practices that can improve water quality management and resource sustainability. The Association’s recognition of Indigenous Rightsholders is a distinct and separate commitment the BCWWA makes to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, in BC, Yukon and beyond.

The BCWWA represents 4,500 water professionals who work every day to keep our water systems clean and safe – from source to tap to drain and back to the environment. As a not-for-profit organization, proceeds generated from our programs and services are re-invested into serving the needs of our members and water community. Recognizing the rich diversity within our community, which encompasses a wide range of ages, languages and abilities, the BCWWA is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all individuals and ensuring our programs and services reflect the communities our members serve and are accessible to everyone.

Diversity at the BCWWA means fostering an environment that is accessible, inclusive and equitable for all members of the water sector. It emphasizes valuing and engaging diverse voices across all levels of career progression and job roles. By ensuring that everyone feels represented and heard, the BCWWA aims to reflect the broad spectrum of apparent and non-apparent characteristics, perspectives and experiences within its leadership, volunteer groups and broader membership, thereby increasing the Association’s impact across the sector.

The BCWWA recognizes the need for Equity and commits to addressing systemic barriers to access, engagement and participation within the BCWWA and the water sector. This means ensuring equitable representation and support for all roles in the sector, including those often underrepresented in the BCWWA leadership, such as technical and trades-based roles (e.g., operators, contractors and cross connection control providers). This approach recognizes the unique challenges these roles face, such as geographical barriers, and commits to creating inclusive opportunities for meaningful participation and implementing targeted strategies that address these barriers.

Inclusion at the BCWWA means there are opportunities for everyone to meaningfully contribute to the sector and foster a sense of belonging. Creating an inclusive Association requires actively removing barriers to participation, fostering a welcoming environment and ensuring accessibility of all communications and resources. This involves embracing cultural and linguistic diversity, and removing physical, technological and information barriers. It means committing to creating safe spaces and not tolerating exclusion in any form.

Our Board, management team, staff, Leadership Council and volunteers all play an important role in furthering diversity, equity and inclusion at the Association. In 2024 we developed our DEI Action Plan, and the BCWWA continues to progress on our DEI journey with a strong focus on accessibility, representation across geographies and job roles in the sector, and fostering ongoing collaboration and learning opportunities with our partners and affiliates to advance DEI goals within the sector and the community.

Guided by this statement, our Action Plan and our commitment to DEI, the BCWWA envisions a water sector where every voice is heard, every barrier to access is dismantled, and every member, regardless of geography or background, is empowered to contribute and thrive. By fostering a culture of safety, respect and continuous learning, we will cultivate a diverse community of leaders, volunteers and professionals who are celebrated for their unique contributions and united in driving sustainable progress across our sector.