Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Genome BC Funding Opportunities – Reviewers

Genome BC acknowledges that systemic barriers and biases exist in our research ecosystem that limit diversity, equitable, and inclusive access to resources. As a major research funding organization in British Columbia (BC), Genome BC is committed to removing these barriers by: (a) supporting equitable access to opportunities for applicants to its funding programs and practices; (b) promoting the integration of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in its programs and practices; (c) increasing equitable and inclusive participation in its research ecosystem. Keeping our effort consistent with the initiatives from the Tri-Agency and other Canadian federal funding organizations, Genome BC is collecting the data and conducting the analyses needed to include EDI considerations in its funding opportunities.

Genome BC is well positioned and determined to tackle these challenges through its Research, Innovation, and Communications & Societal Engagement mandates outlined in the 2020-2023 Strategic Plan.

Reviewers engaged for Genome BC programs and other initiatives are being asked to complete a self-identification form, which includes questions on age, gender identity, sexual orientation, Indigenous identity, visible minority status, population group, disabilities, and language. The data is being collected anonymously, and each question includes a “prefer not to answer” option.

By gathering and analyzing demographic data collected from our program reviewers, we will have a better understanding of the community that is assisting in selecting projects for funding. This information will be a first step towards our goal of identifying any barriers and challenges in Genome BC’s funding programs and application review processes.

Important Information regarding the questionnaire:

Note:
• The questionnaire does not currently include all identities. Additional diversity dimensions could be added in the future.
• The questions, response options, and related definitions are primarily based on material and terminology that is being used by the Canadian federal government.
• Should the terminology used by the Canadian federal government change, or if future consultations indicate a need for revisions, then the terminology or wording in this questionnaire may change.

1. Why am I being asked to complete the self-identification questionnaire?

Genome BC collects self-identification data to obtain information on the diversity of the population advising funding decisions for Genome BC. We use this information to increase our capacity to monitor our progress on integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) considerations in our programs, to recognize and remove barriers, and to design new measures to achieve greater EDI in the research ecosystem. Genome BC’s commitment to support EDI in our approach is highlighted on our corporate website.

2. Who is required to complete the questionnaire?

External and panel reviewers participating in the assessment of Genome BC proposals and applications via its programs and other initiatives are asked to respond to self-identification questions regarding age, gender identity, sexual orientation, Indigenous identity, visible minority status, population group, disabilities, and language. All questions have an option of “I prefer not to answer.”

3. Can I identify in more than one group?

Yes, individuals can and should self-identify in all groups that apply to them.

4. Why were these questions (or this terminology) chosen? Can you clarify what is being asked?

The questions are originally from the current standards used by federal funding research organizations, who adopted these from Statistics Canada in census questionnaires, and wording from the Employment Equity Act.

More information on the Government of Canada’s self-identification data collection in support of equity, diversity and inclusion can be found here.

5. I am not comfortable responding to these questions. What should I do?

If you do not want to self-identify, you have the option to choose “I prefer not to answer” for each question. You must select this option for your questionnaire to be deemed as complete.

6. How will my information be stored? Who will see my information?

The self-identification information will be stored electronically at Genome BC and access is limited to staff on a need-to-know basis. This information will not be shared with external parties in an identifiable format. 

The information is collected, used, disclosed, retained, and disposed of in accordance with the collected and stored in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

If you have further questions, please contact Genome BC at demographicsurvey@genomebc.ca.

Self-identification Questionnaire:

Information

Questionnaire

Please select your year of birth
Selection the option that best describes your current gender identity.

Sexual Orientation

Indigenous Identity

Note that in Canada, Indigenous group refers to whether the person is First Nations (North American Indian), Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit). A person may be included in more than one of these three specific groups. Aboriginal peoples of Canada (referred to here as Indigenous peoples) are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35 (2) as including Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples. First Nations (North American Indian) includes Status and non-Status Indians.

Visible Minorities

Note that visible minority refers to whether a person belongs to a visible minority group as defined by the Employment Equity Act and, if so, the visible minority group to which the person belongs. The Employment Equity Act defines visible minorities as “persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour.”

Population Group

The population group options listed are those used by Statistics Canada in the national census. Population group should not be confused with citizenship or nationality. You may select all categories that apply. If you have already identified as an Indigenous person and do not identify with any other population group, you are asked to select "Other (please specify)" and specify Indigenous.

Disabilities

A person with a disability is a person who has a long-term or recurring physical, mental, sensory, psychiatric or learning impairment and: (1) Who considers themselves to be disadvantaged in employment by reason of that impairment, or (2) Who believes that an employer or potential employer is likely to consider them to be disadvantaged in employment by reason of that impairment; and (3) Includes persons whose functional limitations owing to their impairment may have been accommodated in their current job or workplace.

Language

Additional Comments