Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion in Regulation

(in-person workshop)

This full-day workshop is a timely and necessary conversation for regulators across Canada seeking to strengthen their approach to reconciliation equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Designed specifically for the Canadian regulatory context, the session offers a practical and reflective learning experience grounded in both current realities and forward-looking leadership.

Register

Edmonton, AB

September 10, 2025

Background

Through a series of interactive and thought-provoking modules, participants will explore the foundations of EDI and anti-racism within regulation, examine how unconscious bias shapes decision-making, and build the skills needed to lead inclusive, culturally aware conversations. The workshop also provides tools for developing practical anti-racism strategies, fostering organizational belonging, and embedding EDI into governance structures and professional practice.

This session also addresses the unique responsibilities regulators hold in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and ensuring that regulatory systems evolve to reflect the diversity of Canada’s communities.

Participants will leave equipped with a stronger understanding of how to create equitable regulatory environments that protect the public interest while promoting fairness, inclusion, and trust. The workshop is open to regulators at all levels—whether just beginning this work or seeking to deepen their existing commitments.

Participants will leave the workshop with:

 

  • A foundational understanding of reconcilitation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, unconscious bias,  microaggressions, and why this matters in the context of licensing and professional regulation.
  • Practical strategies to protect the public interest with greater awareness and sensitivity
  • Opportunities to learn from peers across the regulatory sector.
  • Tools and reflection prompts to challenge personal assumptions and expand perspective.
  • A starting point for operational and governance-level empowerment and change.

Facilitators

Daniel Roukema

Daniel is a seasoned and award-winning strategist recognized for his innovation and thought leadership. A recognized facilitator, speaker, and instructor, he has maintained an unwavering commitment to social impact in Canada and around the world for thirty years.

The founder and CEO of MDR Strategy Group, Daniel has led transformative change in the non-profit and public sectors, advancing public interest initiatives in Canada and internationally. Within the regulatory sector, he has held senior communications roles at the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council and the Real Estate Council of Ontario, guiding external affairs and stakeholder engagement.

Daniel’s leadership has been recognized with multiple honours, including the Consumer Protection Award from the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) in 2016. Under his leadership, MDR Strategy Group received CLEAR’s 2024 Regulatory Excellence Award.

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Melissa Peneycad

Melissa is a seasoned public engagement executive practitioner with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the non-profit, private, academic, and public sectors in Canada and internationally. Her work spans operations, strategy, business development, and public engagement, with a strong focus on embedding equity, inclusion, and anti-racism into governance and organizational culture. She has led projects in healthcare, education, infrastructure, housing, and regulation, supporting leaders to drive meaningful, measurable change.

Melissa’s work helping Boards and staff align their practices with the public interest routinely focus on the importance of inclusion. She serves on the Bureau of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s Working Party on Public-Private Partnerships, and advises on professional training through Beyond21 Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University, a Master in Environmental Studies and Graduate Diploma in Business and Environment from York University, and a certificate in Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Northwestern University.

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