The Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) has taken a significant step in its equity, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) efforts with the launch of its President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion. First announced late last fall by President Jan Wicherek, the council’s mission is to promote equity and diversity within the AIC and the valuation profession at large, according to a release from AIC.

“The council and its work will go a long way towards continuing to foster a sustainable culture at the AIC that recognizes and values all backgrounds, perspectives and experiences,” Wicherek said in the release.

Former AIC National President David Shum has been appointed as the council’s chair.  The council will make recommendations to the AIC Board of Directors. The council is comprised of six volunteers, appointed from among AIC members, who expressed interest in participating and successfully navigating the selection process.

The council’s membership includes persons from across the country, with the right mix of passion and expertise to guide the AIC in achieving its ED&I objectives. The six volunteer members appointed to the council are Andy Pham, Ashita Chandra (candidate member), Christina Bhalla (candidate member), David Shum (fellow), Lisa Campbell, and Peter Thompson.

The volunteers appointed to the council will help ensure the AIC’s governance structure and processes are as inclusive as the membership and public it serves. They will assist the AIC board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities and assessing progress toward achieving the AIC’s ED&I objectives, to ensure continued alignment.

“The ultimate goal for the council, as I see it, is to formulate measurable, actionable initiatives and recommendations that help to promote equity and diversity within the profession. We want and need to engage in more than just stock-taking and discussion,” Shum said.

“I am very proud of the launch of this extremely timely and relevant council. Our organization is dedicated to providing an atmosphere free of barriers in order to promote equity and diversity. In doing so, we foster an environment that respects people’s dignity, ideas and beliefs, thereby ensuring equity and diversity throughout the organization as well as the profession at large,” Wicherek said.

Among the council’s first activities will be to create avenues for members of the AIC and the public at large to have meaningful engagement with the leadership to provide feedback and promote inclusivity, the AIC said. The council will also undertake the following initiatives:

• Addressing definitions of racial bias and discrimination within the AIC’s governing documents, including its Code of Conduct and CUSPAP.
• Explore learning opportunities in which members may participate and engage to deepen and develop a personal understanding of bias, diversity, inclusion and equity.
• Developing recommendations for the development or modification of policies and practices that impact diversity, respect, inclusivity and equality efforts.