During British Columbia’s Multiculturalism Week, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) released a statement announcing a new inclusive holiday program for its employees.

The release explains that the BCLC is offering employees the flexibility to substitute up to six BCLC-recognized statutory holidays with days of personal, cultural, or religious significance.

The BCLC says that the initiative is part of the BCLC’s ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and belonging and aims to cater to the diverse needs of its workforce.

Within the media release, BCLC features a statement from its Chief People Officer, Sandy Austin, who said, “We recognize that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to holidays”, and states that the move aligns with their evolving diversity practices.

Through the press release, the BCLC declared that they actively shape policies, processes, and structures to ensure an inclusive and barrier-free work environment “where employees can thrive”.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse workforce and are honoring that diversity and reaffirming our commitment to fostering an inclusive culture at BCLC where all employees feel that they are seen, valued and belong,” said BCLC Manager of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an exception to the substitution options, and all employees must observe this day on Sept. 30 each year.