Home >Policy briefs

Gender

Gender equality is emphasized in the context of international interactions as well as internally within the organization.  FBC encourages commitment from our international partners to promote women’s and men’s equal participation in the environmental movement and to support processes that are participatory, consultative and democratic and which address gender and other power relations.

 Specific Measures:

• Project communication channels should be equally accessible to both men and women.
• Projects should employ women's and men's knowledge and skills in resource management.
• Projects should employ participatory processes that are gender sensitive and strengthen women's involvemtent.
• Men and women should have adequate and equal access to information about FBC projects and how they will impact access to and influence over natural resources.

Non-discrimination

FBC operates within the confines of the Human Rights Code concerning the rights of an individual in regards to equal treatment regardless of gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation or physical or mental disabilities.

FBC will not disqualify a person of disability from employment except where a disability renders a person incapable of performing the essential duties of a job.  By identifying essential duties of a job, FBC may ask a prospective employee during an interview whether or not she/he can perform the essential duties and thus screen out unqualified applicants.

Equal opportunity

FBC is firmly committed to being an equal opportunity employer.  Decisions concerning employment, compensation, promotion, and termination will be met without regard to race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex or sexual orientation, age, or criminal record unrelated to the employment or to the intended employment of a person.

As such, FBC will ensure all employees are treated in a fair, equitable and reasonable manner. 

Youth

Youth currently represent more than fifty percent of our planet’s population and the same policies and measures that ensure women have equal access are applicable to youth. Following CIDA’s definition, we define youth as individuals under the age of 30.

Elders

Elders have a special role to play in FBC and care should be taken to accommodate and encourage the participation of experienced and older members.

Indigenous Peoples

FBC recognizes the rights of First Nations in Canada and is in agreement with the Brundtland Commission’s report that a sustainable future includes the meaningful participation of indigenous people.  FBC also recognizes that the term “indigenous people” or “First Nations” describes a diversity of opinions and viewpoints not all of which are in agreement.  We should seek the participation of Indigenous Peoples in our activities.