AFM Canada Diversity Website
"True diversity is the abolishment of the concept in favour of the application of diverse principles"... John Staley
AFM - Canadian Diversity Committee
Chairperson - John Staley, Local 293
Member - Doug Kuss, Local 547
Member - Janice Bernier, Local 446
Diverse Reflections
DEFINING WHO WE ARE AS A MOVEMENT
During the Canadian Conference held in Edmonton in 2004, a committee was struck to work towards identifying and addressing issues related to diversity in Canada that would more accurately reflect Canadian content.
To aid the Diversity Committee’s understanding of “what we are about” (in Canada), please allow us to note some key differences that spawn this request. Namely:
The United States has one official language.
Canada has two official languages.
The United States has one identifiable culture. America is acknowledged as being a cultural “melting pot”.
Canada celebrates a recognized English and French culture and as such, multi-culturalism within these distinctive cultures is encouraged.
Socially, economically and historically, Canada has developed quite differently that our neighbours to the south (We even spell neighbours differently sic. ).
I am of the opinion that, diversity is a lifelong study and appreciation of those qualities that define each and every one of us as an "individual".
This site is dedicated for the purpose of sharing the AFM's search for a "harmonious" direction for the future.
John Staley, Chairperson
Local 293 - Hamilton
IT'S TIME TO GET INVOLVED
A Special Note to all who are purusing this site:
YOU are the folks who have the power to make a difference! The AFM's Cananadian Diversity Committee wants to hear from you. If you have any comments or suggestions that you feel should be addressed by AFM Canada ... share them with us. Every year your Diversity Committee representatives attend the Canadian Conference. At these meetings we have the ability to submit recommendations for approval and implementation. It was at one of these meetings that the resolution regarding Musicians with Disabilities was passed. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please feel free to post a comment on our guestbook. Your committee will review, discuss, and if achievable, present your concerns to the AFM.
BECOME INVOLVED!