The Canadian Association of Geographers is committed to fostering a community that is equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible.
We recognize that geography is strengthened by the participation, perspectives, and experiences of people from all backgrounds. Through ongoing learning, collaboration, and action, the CAG works to create an environment where all members feel respected, supported, and empowered to contribute to the discipline and the broader geographic community.
The mandate of the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Committee:
Recognize areas where inequities have already been identified and system change is needed, and identify opportunities to advance EDIA efforts; Support and strengthen EDIA work already being done by Canadian geographers and CAG working groups (e.g., Decolonizing & Indigenizing Standing Committee and Feminist Intersectionality Solidarity Group); Build capacity within the CAG to increase participation in EDIA work and help initiatives flourish. This is collective work, not to be shouldered by “equity deserving” or “minority” people or groups, but requires interest and accountability from those in positions of power; Create safer spaces to discuss and engage with EDIA topics as part of CAG processes, such as the Annual National Conference, Annual General Meetings, and Executive Meetings; Help to maintain intentionality and accountability for EDIA initiatives
Training Resources
Access educational materials, workshops, and learning resources designed to support ongoing professional development and inclusive practices.
Reports & Documents
Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference outline the committee’s purpose, responsibilities, structure, and guiding principles. This document serves as a framework for the committee’s work, decision-making, and ongoing initiatives.
Annual Reports
Bakau Consulting - Focus Group Analysis
The hope has been that member perspectives will inform the purpose and function of the EDIA Committee, and identify the values the membership wants the CAG to uphold. With this in mind, a focus group with Bakau Consulting was held in February, 2023. The resulting report influenced the development of our Terms of Reference, approved by the CAG Executive in June, 2023.
Community Standards
Canadian Association of Geographers' Statement on Collegial Conduct and Respectful Exchange
Canadian Association of Geographers Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee Draft Terms of Reference
Canadian Association of Geographers' Statement on Academic Freedom
Standing Committee
The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Standing Committee works to advance equitable and inclusive practices across the Canadian Association of Geographers. The committee provides guidance, develops initiatives, and supports ongoing efforts to foster a welcoming and accessible environment for all members of the geographic community.
Dr. Sinead Earley
Co-Chair
Dr. Sinead Earley (she/her) is a critical resource geographer and policy studies scholar in the School of Planning and Sustainability at the University of Northern British Columbia. She has served as elected Councillor on the CAG Executive (2021-2024) and is excited help guide CAG governance towards meaningful, transformative, timely action on equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Andrea Rishworth
Co-Chair
Andrea Rishworth is a Research Associate in the Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment at the University of Toronto Missisauga. Her background is in health geography and her research centers on global environmental change, migration and health inequities and gender and health.
Dr. Susan Elliott
Ex-Officio Member
Susan Elliott is a health geographer and University Research Chair in Health Geography at the University of Waterloo, Department of Geography and Environmental Management. She has an active research career, with 250+ publications related to global environment and (public) health. She has also supervised 50+ graduate students and post-doctoral fellows to completion. Elliott has undertaken a range of leadership roles including Director of the Institute of Environment and Health (McMaster), Senior Research Fellow in the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, Dean of Social Sciences (McMaster University) and Dean of Health Sciences (University of Waterloo). She sits on several boards including the Canadian Association for Global Health as well as CARTS (the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa). She is the founder and Co-editor in Chief of Wellbeing, Space & Society, as well as the Editor in Chief and medical geography editor for Social Science and Medicine. She has a commitment to impactful research in the area of global public health, and her research is characterized by strong science-policy bridging. See her lab website for more information.
Dr. Emmanuel Kofi Ackom
Dr. Emmanuel Ackom’s work intersects energy transitions, bioenergy, climate action and urbanism with a special interest in marginalized societies. He integrates academic scholarship with 11 years of policy experience from the United Nations (UN) – where he was a Senior Scientist – to promote sustainable communities. He critically examines sustainability challenges and develops solutions that are distributive and fair. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia.
