Wood Buffalo Pride's Rainbow Spaces initiative promotes and fosters safer and more inclusive spaces, organizations, and businesses for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in Wood Buffalo. Organizations and businesses that have taken specific steps outlined by the initiative receive Rainbow Spaces designation and receive public recognition for their commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Equal access to services, employment, and facilities without discrimination, harassment, or abuse is protected under the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Human Rights. Providing safe and accessible facilities and services is necessary for public safety, client satisfaction, and employee retention. Inclusive spaces can
Equal access to services, employment, and facilities without discrimination, harassment, or abuse is protected under the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Human Rights. Providing safe and accessible facilities and services is necessary for public safety, client satisfaction, and employee retention. Inclusive spaces can decrease anxiety and fear when using facilities and there is less chance of harassment or assault, which is often the reality for
2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
Organizations that have completed the requirements of the program will be publicly recognized for their commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. This includes:
● Framed Rainbow Space Certificate
● Recognition on Wood Buffalo Pride's social media
● Added to our directory of Rainbow Spaces posted publicly on our website
● Recognition at the Wood Buffalo Pride Festival
Participating organizations must complete the following four guidelines in order to receive recognition as a Wood Buffalo Pride Rainbow Space.
All staff have taken Inclusivity Training on 2SLGBTQIA+ terms, human rights, and inclusive practices, offered
through Wood Buffalo Pride or other 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations with comparable training (minimum 3 hours of training).
Availability of single stall washrooms that are gender inclusive/gender neutral are accessible to the public and employees. Individuals are free to use the washroom that best suits their gender identity and/or gender expression. Availability of gender neutral change rooms (when applicable).*
An organization-wide Anti-Discrimination Policy is in place that specifically lists sexual orientation, gender
identity, and gender expression as protected grounds. Any workplace dress code requirements are gender
neutral and non-binary (no separate dress codes based on gender identity).
All client, public, student, volunteer, and employee forms and documents (ex. intake forms, registration forms, hiring packages, benefits packages) use gender inclusive language.
*We recognize that this may not always be possible within existing building designs or leased spaces with shared washroom facilities. Wood Buffalo Pride can work with you to provide best practice recommendations and explore alternative signage solutions for washroom accessibility.
Review the Wood Buffalo Pride recommendations for Inclusive Policies & Procedures and Forms & Documents.
A copy of the Anti-Discrimination Policy and any other workplace/organization policies can be sent to our staff via email at info@wbpride.ca for review. We may suggest that edits and changes be made if needed.
When designating a Rainbow Space, Wood Buffalo Pride remains accountable to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that we serve and advocate for. We fundamentally believe that allyship is not a title, but consistent, intentional action and accountability. We also understand that in becoming a Rainbow Space, each organization will be in a process of learning and growth following our training, and that process may include mistakes. Should we receive a complaint from the community about a Rainbow Space, we will be in contact to work with the organization to understand the situation, arrive at a resolution, repair harm, and re-train as necessary.
Organizations that have received a Rainbow Spaces designation will be invited to submit a brief
annual statement to Wood Buffalo Pride expressing how their organization has directly supported the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and upheld the guidelines of a Rainbow Space.
This fee covers labour costs associated with document/policy review and editing, as well as our 4-hour Inclusivity Training. All proceeds from our Rainbow Space program are invested directly back into the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Wood Buffalo through Wood Buffalo Pride programming, advocacy, and supports.
Less than 5 employees
5-50 employees
51-100 employees
101-300 employees
300+ employees
In person trainings outside of the city of Fort McMurray will be charged mileage costs.
If these costs are prohibitive for non-profits please reach out we are willing to work with you.
As of May 2022, Wood Buffalo Pride will follow up with all Rainbow Space organizations after three
years of receiving their designation to offer a recertification training in order to maintain
Rainbow Space designation. Mandatory recertification reflects the dynamic nature of the
2SLGBTQIA+ community needs and provides continuity for inevitable staffing turnover within
businesses, nonprofit organizations, and schools. We strive to ensure that our Rainbow Spaces
have access to the most updated resources and information, and continue to actively renew
their commitment to 2SLGBTQIA+ community allyship.
The full Module Workshop Series OR 4 hour Rainbow Space Workshop is required
1-hour refresher is required
*If a workshop has been booked for new staff, any continuing staff can also join that workshop at no additional cost, as opposed to booking a separate 1-hour refresher workshop
*Individuals can also attend a community inclusivity training for their certification. Check our Event Page for the next scheduled Community Training
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.