Last week, the RAIC released a statement on current events regarding systemic racism and protests regarding unjust actions or lack of action. Building on that initial comment we want to be clear that the RAIC stands in solidarity with Black people across the USA and Canada. We are filled with sadness and outraged about the deaths of Black people at the hands of law enforcement.

The RAIC acknowledges that Canada has a long history of colonialism, white supremacy and continued systemic racism which disproportionately affects Black communities across the country. We also acknowledge that in this history of colonialism and white supremacy, there is ongoing systemic oppression of Indigenous peoples in Canada. As architects, we must look critically at our complacency and the perpetuation of white supremacy and racism.

As a profession, we must be committed to our values which include equality and diversity. The RAIC stands against racism and commits to working towards a strategy that ensures the RAIC is anti-racist and anti-oppressive. As a starting point, the RAIC will:  

• Reaffirm our commitment to an inclusive and diverse workplace 
• Incorporate education for staff and volunteers on the history—and the continuation—of racism and discrimination in Canada 
• Ensure cultural competency knowledge is developed among staff 
• Develop and implement a clear process for responding to and resolving discrimination against BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) in the architectural profession
•  Incorporate a race equity lens in the development and implementation of programs, policies, and services.

The RAIC will also continue this discussion and focus resources on an ongoing action plan to ensure our organization is anti-racist and anti-oppressive. 

We must and will do better and welcome your feedback on what you think the RAIC can further do in taking steps towards justice. We will not be silent.

The RAIC welcomes any and all feedback from our membership and the public through info@raic.org. 

A Canada-wide challenge was launched last week to generate responsible, sustainable, and resilient design solutions that can be implemented during COVID-19 recovery, and post-pandemic, for Canada’s hard-hit main streets.   
   
COVID-19 is having an unprecedented impact on the people, businesses and organizations that call Canada’s main streets home. Many small businesses, for example, have already been lost, and more will continue to close permanently in the days ahead. The Challenge will demonstrate how design plays  a key role in the revitalization of main streets, including kickstarting the economy, fostering vibrant, liveable, and healthy communities, increasing public safety, reducing social isolation, and restoring the public’s confidence to return to streets and public spaces.   
  
The Challenge invites all Canadian residents interested in place-making and design to develop solutions that can help build the resiliency of Canada’s main streets. 

• The RAIC continues to participate in bi-monthly national Construction Industry Roundtable meetings, led by the Public Services and Procurement Canada.  

• The RAIC has provided feedback to the government on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. As you may be aware, the CEWS program has been extended to August 29th, 2020. Many of you expressed concern that, while you may be eligible recipients of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), the application criteria is too narrow to fit many firms. The federal government launched a consultation on how the program can be improved and how gaps can be filled. 

Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic in March 2020, the RAIC has prioritized the health, safety, and wellbeing of staff, volunteers and membership community. The RAIC continues to closely monitor the current situation via the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization.

Since March 16, 2020, all staff at the RAIC began working remotely and directives were provided to transition all in-person activities to a virtual platform. This includes meetings, continuing education sessions, Syllabus program activities and special events—such as the 2020 Conference on Architecture.  

The RAIC will take an abundance of caution over the next several months and request that all in-person activities continue in a virtual platform until further notice. Another update will be provided no later than September 18, 2020, for activities for the remainder of the year.  We thank you in advance for your understanding during this ongoing uncertain time.  

Business Resilience Service (BRS)– Free services for small to medium-sized business between May 25 and June 19:   

• Guidance on COVID-19 financial support program options and eligibility  
• Direction on accessing the most appropriate support organizations  
• Help to make decisions to support recovery plans  
• Real-time insights and feedback to policymakers  
• To access the BRS call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8 am – 8 pm ET 

Pathways to Resilience: Strategies for a World in Upheaval– Free webinar series  

• A resource for those going through rough times and those providing support through rough times;  offering tools which, once embedded in daily life, allow us to better cope with the hardship inherent to life. Presented by Dr. Rachel Thibeault, occupational therapist and Order of Canada recipient for her work in rehabilitation and social integration programs.  
• Overview of Resilience Training  
• Prerequisites and Foundations of Resilience  
• The Compassion Protocol  
• Managing Emotions  

  Additional Resources

• Guide to Federal and Provincial Relief Programs  
• Consolidated Briefing of Federal and Provincial Measures  
• Canadian Tax Relief Update