There’s no Better Time for Canada to Embrace its Diversity
All governments—municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous—should take stock and ask: who is at the table?
By: Jennifer St. Germain
This article was originally published by The Hill Times, July 2025.
As Pride Month and Indigenous History Month come to an end, we find our- selves navigating a tumultuous global reality. There are growing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and in our collective efforts to get our “elbows up” and “unleash the economy,” we find legislation like Ontario’s Bill 5 and Canada’s Bill C-5 being advanced at an unprecedented speed. For Indigenous people, for queer people, and especially for those who are both, this moment is deeply felt.
Too often throughout Canada’s colonial history, the value placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and reconciliation can be the first to go when the needs of the nation and the economy are seemingly at stake. As if embracing the principles of a fair and just society, and upholding Canada’s constitutional obliga- tions make us weak; they are in fact what makes us rich, strong, and ready for battle. With moves to eradicate DEI policy south of the border, and efforts to create workarounds for meaningful Indigenous consultation in Canada, this will cause the most marginalized communities to be pushed further to the margins of society. I’m a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and a proud Métis woman.
Over the course of the last 27 years, I have been privileged to work alongside Métis governments from Ontario westward, as well as many Indigenous nations, governments, and agencies within Ontario. During this time, we have carved out space for our voices, ensuring we all have a seat at the table. As a senior public servant working for a Métis government, I know that a diverse table is not simply about filling seats. Rather, it is about a culture of inclusion rather than exclusion. The talent pool is deepened when perspec- tives and voices that have been historically muted are instead an active part of the discourse in change and innovation.
We have seen this play out in our recent history, witnessing many firsts: the first-ever Indigenous judge on the Supreme Court of Canada, the first female coach in the National Hockey League, the first-ever Indigenous minister of Indigenous Service Canada. These successes illustrate how diversity is slowly shifting in boardrooms, and how Indigenous partnerships are becoming an economic imperative. This is not because we have filled seats. This is because sections of our population have carved out spaces for us to be heard and seen. This allows the best and brightest to crack through the glass ceiling. A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, while respecting and recognizing Indigenous rights and peoples, does not weaken organizations, it strengthens them.
In my role at the democratically elected, provincially and federally recognized Métis government representing Métis citizens and Métis communities in Ontario, I work every day alongside a provincial council and regional and community leadership. This leadership reflects the true diversity of our citizens and our history of pushing back against denial and erasure. Many of us are part of the queer community. Many are women. The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) also has its first ever female out- and-proud president. Our diversity strengthens us. Carving out space and raising our voice strengthens us.
That strength has led the MNO to become was the first Métis government to sign a provincial harvesting agreement, and the first to sign a protocol agreement with Canada. It’s also why we host gather- ings like “A Place in the Circle,” a Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Leadership Symposium. Two Spirit Climate Change gatherings operate with a Two Spirit Council, and we also developed A Place in the Circle Two Spirit Métis Awareness Resource.
Can we as a Métis government do better? Yes, we can. We all can. We know that true inclusion isn’t performative. It’s equity in all actions. We must double down on levelling the playing field so all can have the opportunity to rise into powerful positions. This will ultimately make boardrooms, C-suites, and govern- ments more successful.
On the heels of this Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, I invite all governments—municipal, pro- vincial, federal, and Indigenous—to take stock. Ask yourselves: Who is at the table?
Jennifer St. Germain is a proud Two- Spirit Métis leader with more than 25 years of experience in the Métis public service advancing rights, policy, and self-determination. Currently she serves as the chief strategy officer for the Métis Nation of Ontario where she drives transformational change across the nation’s governance, intergovernmental relations, and policy framework.
This article was originally published by The Hill Times, July 2025.