Harris Centre – West White Rose Employment Diversity Research Fund
Environment, Energy and Natural Resources
Governance and Public Policy
Social Justice
Deadlines
Academic Unit: Inquire within unit
Memorial Deadline: RIS review not required
External Deadline: Friday 5th, May 2023
Description
Natural resource developments are drivers of economic activity and employment in communities and in Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole. Projects, both small and large in scale, require skilled and knowledgeable workers from a broad range of occupations. However, experience in the resource development sector has demonstrated that segments of the population continue to be under-represented in these developments, and proponents of natural resource projects are challenged to develop programs and initiatives to improve the participation of traditionally under-represented groups. Recruitment efforts targeted at under-represented groups have achieved modest results, and research is needed to better understand how to improve participation and how to grow the pool of diverse candidates for employment.
To better understand this issue and help build capacity to address it, Memorial University’s Harris Centre, will fund research projects related to growing the pool of available qualified workers from under-represented groups in the natural resources sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The West White Rose Project Diversity Research Fund is made possible through funding from the West White Rose Partner co-venturers, specifically operator Husky Energy (a wholly owned subsidiary of Cenovus Energy), Suncor Energy and OilCo.
Objectives
1. To conduct applied research relating to growing the pool of diverse candidates for employment in medium-sized and large resource-based enterprises. Eligible sectors may include upstream petroleum, mining and metallurgy, renewable energy, forestry, agriculture, aquaculture and the capture fishery.
2. To build research capacity and knowledge in the community sector specifically in the area of employment for under-represented groups. Consistent with the Atlantic Accord, the under-represented groups are women, members of aboriginal groups, persons with disabilities and visible minorities. Priority will be given to projects that have implications and benefit to a broad group or multiple groups.
3. To encourage community groups to work collaboratively with each other and with representatives of the academic community to identify evidence-based solutions to diversity challenges.
More details can be found on the Harris Centre website, here.
Deadline May 5, 2023