In 2021, New Gold formed a company-wide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee with representation from the head office in Toronto and both the New Afton and Rainy River Mine sites. This initiative was launched with the aim of increasing understanding and improving DEI programs across the Company. Rainy River began the development of a site-level DEI Committee in 2022, with the committee forming in August of 2023. Employees from different backgrounds and perspectives come together to focus on delivering transparent and inclusive support to Rainy River employees.
Utilizing information initially gathered from our employees in 2021, a baseline was established to determine focus areas for review and improvement at the site. The focus for the DEI Committee in the coming year is to continue the journey to foster a more inclusive work culture, with special attention to practices, personnel, and prioritizing mental health and wellbeing. “In the space of inclusion, walking the talk is a far greater path,” said Cassandra Okelue, Chairperson of the Rainy River DEI Committee.
The Committee’s logo “Make Space/Take Space” speaks to the core of what this committee stands for, that everyone is seen, heard and validated.