The Evolution of Positive Space in the Defence Team
Background
In January 2017, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) released its Diversity Strategy and Action Plan. The Plan set out a vision, principals, and objectives to improve the organization, and outlined how to create an organization that is effective, diverse, respectful, and inclusive. The strategy also included activities designed to support the integration of diversity into the CAF's core values. One of these activities was the creation of a national network and community forum for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) members.
The Positive Space Initiative is born
In 2014, CFB Halifax began developing the Positive Space initiative in an effort to improve understanding and inclusion for all members on the base, with a focus on 2SLGBTQI+ communities. This initiative gained strategic recognition from the Director of Human Rights and Diversity (DHRD), and in December 2017, the Defence Team piloted a training session for the Positive Space Initiative. Trained volunteers assisted peers and created networks including members of the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex+ (2SLGBTQI+) communities. The Defence Team Positive Space Initiative was designed to align with the organization's ethics, policies, regulations and unique work environment, which includes both military and civilian members working across Canada and around the world in various environments. The goal of the Defence Team Positive Space initiative was to foster a safe and inclusive work environment for all, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Following a positive response to the pilot program, DND/CAF officially launched the Positive Space Initiative in 2018. By 2020, the initiative was gaining traction and growing quickly. To ensure it had national reach, DND/CAF adopted a decentralized model. Representatives from DHRD and the Director of Workplace Programs and Services (DWPS) maintained the responsibility for co-coordinating the initiative. Each base/wing/unit assumed the responsibility of providing training and supporting the program and its volunteers locally. Over 800 Defence Team members volunteered to support one another and create a Positive Space working environment across DND/CAF.
Evolving to meet the needs of the Defence Team
The Defence Team is committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce and to ensuring a respectful environment for everyone. Over the years, the Defence Team Positive Space Initiative has proven to be an effective approach to encouraging members to respect all of their coworkers for their diverse skills, knowledge, perspectives and identities. It also aligns with recommendations made by "Emerging from the Purge: The State of LGBTQI2S Inclusion in the Federal Workplace and Recommendations for Improvement" Report and the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan "Building our future, with pride".
During 2022, DND/CAF conducted an extensive review of Positive Space. This review included a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) assessment to ensure it is meeting the needs of the community and aligning with the Defence Team's culture change efforts. Following the assessment, it was decided that the Positive Space Initiative should further evolve into a program, with the support of Chief, Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC), to help DND/CAF improve the workplace experience of 2SLGBTQI+ Defence Team members. As a program, Positive Space is now better resourced to provide additional training opportunities, awareness activities, and greater community support.
The Positive Space story in DND/CAF is a wonderful example of how a modest, grass-root initiative can grow into something that brings positive change across the institution. With the help of Positive Space, the Defence Team is building a more inclusive workplace where all members of the Defence Team feel welcome, included, respected, and psychologically safe.