Multiculturalism and Diversity
Over the past 25 years, Burnaby has become much more culturally diverse. The City of Burnaby celebrates the role that diversity and culture can play to support a cohesive, creative and engaged community, and recognizes cultural diversity as a source of community enrichment and strength. Burnaby has long focused on supporting its increasingly diverse community to create a welcoming environment where all feel a sense of belonging.
Policies and Initiatives
In embracing diversity, the City is guided by the civic Equity Policy and Multicultural Policy. The implementation of these policies is supported the City Language Bank, a volunteer group of City staff who provide interpretation services in a wide range of languages, as required. As well, Burnaby has implemented the Safe Harbour program in all City facilities. The City was awarded the Canadian Safe Harbour Champion Award in 2009 from the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies (AMSSA) for these efforts.
The City is also a member of the award-winning Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table, which works to share resources, identify service gaps and more fully support new immigrant and refugees in Burnaby. One key resource provided by the Table is the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) Community Resource, an online database designed to meet the needs of agency and front-line workers aiding immigrants and refugees settling in Burnaby.
