Program Overview

Course Description

This course is 20 learning hours inclusive of 4.5 hours of live sessions. It is recommended that learners spend approximately 6-7 hours (inclusive of the 1.5 hour live session) per week on course materials.

The course is designed to help learners learn more about diversity and how it is translated into their values, beliefs, and behaviors. Throughout the session, learners will be encouraged to reflect, explore, and examine their ways of knowing and understanding diversity from a personal lens and an organizational lens.

Course Outline

• Module 1: Internalizing Diversity and Inclusion: Ways of Knowing
• Module 2: How Does Diversity Show-Up? The Dynamics of Diversity within Workplace Cultures
• Module 3: Maximizing on the Benefits of Diversity: Strategies for Nurturing Inclusive Workplace Cultures

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• Examine the dimensions of one's identity, and how this shapes their views, values, perceptions, and behaviors within organizations
• Create a space to tell stories, talk about "personal" diversity, roles, culture, concerns, and visions for diversity and inclusion
• Clarify the meaning of terminology related to diversity
• Connect the "personal" and "professional" dynamics of diversity
• Identify practical strategies for advancing the envelope on diversity and inclusion

Microcredential

This course provides learners with the opportunity to earn a microcredential. A microcredential is evidence of a skill or competency that is employment-related. To earn the microcredential in this course, learners will need to successfully complete a competency-based assessment.

Notes

By enrolling in this course, learners will be automatically enrolled in the Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. This certificate consists of four courses. Learners are not required to take the courses in order, but it is recommended that they take OLCD-IDEA0004 after completing the first three courses in the certificate (OLCD-IDEA0001, 0002, 0003).

Recommended For

• Anyone interested in learning how to advance the agenda on diversity and inclusion within their respective organization

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Certificate in Advanced Fire Service Administration: Electives
• Certificate in Building Positive Workplace Cultures: Electives
• Diploma in Executive Fire Leadership: Electives
• Diploma in General Fire Leadership: Elective - Certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Fire Service, Elective - Certificate in Advanced Fire Service Administration
• Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Required courses
• Certificate in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Fire Service: Required
• Certificate in Police Supervisory Skills: Electives
• Certificate in Public Sector Leadership: Required

Course Sections

OLCD-IDEA0001 - 016

• Section Title: Understanding EDI: An Organization Imperative
• Section Schedule: Mar 06, 2026 to Mar 27, 2026
• Type: Online - Self-Paced
• Dates: Mar 06, 2026 to Mar 27, 2026
• Type: Online - Scheduled
• Days: Wednesday
• Time: 7:00PM to 8:30PM
• Dates: Mar 11, 2026 to Mar 25, 2026
• Schedule and Location: View Details
• Total Learning Hours: 20.0
• Location: Online Campus - Atlantic Time
• Instruction Delivery Method(s): Blended - Online
• Course Fee(s): Fee non-credit | $725.00
• CEUs: 2 CEUs
• Instructors: Jude Gerrard

OLCD-IDEA0001 - 017

• Section Title: Understanding EDI: An Organization Imperative
• Section Schedule: Sep 04, 2026 to Sep 25, 2026
• Type: Online - Self-Paced
• Dates: Sep 04, 2026 to Sep 25, 2026
• Type: Online - Scheduled
• Days: Tuesday
• Time: 7:00PM to 8:30PM
• Dates: Sep 08, 2026 to Sep 22, 2026
• Schedule and Location: View Details
• Total Learning Hours: 20.0
• Location: Online Campus - Atlantic Time
• Instruction Delivery Method(s): Blended - Online
• Course Fee(s): Fee non-credit | $775.00
• CEUs: 2 CEUs

Instructor

Jude Gerrard is a member of the Millbrook First Nation and has worked for several federal departments, including the RCMP, Correctional Services Canada, and Veteran's Affairs. He has also worked for many departments within the Nova Scotia public service and is currently the Senior Engagement Advisor for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. Jude has been a speaker at national and international conferences on systemic oppression and racial identity. He was the first Canadian to be trained as a facilitator in Beyond Diversity2, Courageous Conversations about Race, and received an Award of Recognition from the Pacific Educational Group for his work in reducing the achievement gap for First Nation and African Canadian students. Most recently, he received his Certified Diversity Executive designation from the Institute for Diversity Certification in Indianapolis, Indiana, and was the first Mi'kmaq employee to be awarded the NS Premier's Award of Excellence.