Enhancing Bias Sensitivity, Diversity and Identity in National Security

Bias Sensitivity, Diversity and Identity in National Security

Canadians, and people living in Canada, may have different experiences when it comes to national security. Biases and assumptions can affect national security organizations’ relationships with diverse communities – relationships that are fundamental to keeping Canadians safe. Work is underway to enhance bias sensitivity, improve cultural competency and better understand how intersecting identity factors can be considered in national security policies, programs and operations.

The Government of Canada’s national security community proactively aims to increase its awareness and address potential biases. This includes understanding bias sensitivity, diversity and identity (BSDI) considerations and using gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) in all areas related to national security.

The rigorous and systematic application of intersectional analysis tools, such as GBA+, helps to identify, reduce and prevent inequality. Bias-sensitive decision-making aims to:

To reach these goals, the national security community:

About GBA+

GBA+ is an analytical process that provides a rigorous method for the assessment of systemic inequalities, as well as a means to assess how diverse groups of women, men, and gender diverse people may experience policies, programs and initiatives. The “plus” in GBA+ acknowledges that GBA+ is not just about differences between biological (sexes) and socio-cultural (genders) factors.

All individuals have multiple characteristics that intersect and contribute to their identity. GBA+ considers many other identity factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability, and how the interaction between these factors influences the way individuals might experience government policies and initiatives.

Considering all intersecting identity factors as part of GBA+ – not only sex and gender – is a Government of Canada commitment.

Coordination of GBA+ across the Government of Canada is led by the Department of Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).

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