Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity
Governance and Public Policy
Social Justice
Deadlines
Academic Unit: Inquire with unit
Memorial Deadline: Tuesday 10th, February 2026
External Deadline: Friday 13th, February 2026
Description
The Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity (WORBE) program is an Employment and Social Development Canada initiative that support employers subject to the Employment Equity Act (the Act) in advancing equity for designated groups through sector-specific strategies and collaborative partnerships.
WORBE is testing a program model focused on measurable progress. While previous funding rounds focused on building awareness through projects that developed training, toolkits, and resources, this pilot 2026 Call will shift the focus to applied solutions.
In partnership with the Government of Canada’s Impact Canada initiative this Call for Proposals and subsequent funding round is focused on achieving a milestone in advancing equity.
With foundational efforts already underway, the 2026 Call aims to increase representation of the designated groups per the Act, in areas of persistent underrepresentation through bold, data-driven solutions.
Successful applicants will work directly with federally regulated employers to:
- Implement applied solutions.
- Establish systems to track progress.
- Develop tools to measure impact.
- Create strategies to scale equity outcomes.
Whether you’re a business, non-profit, academic institution, or a coalition of changemakers, this 2026 WORBE Call offers a platform to test innovative ideas, build inclusive partnerships, and scale what works.
See here for more information.
Deadline: February 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET via the Impact Canada website.