The Canvas Mission
Based in Toronto, Canvas is a registered charity that provides empathy-based education on consent and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Hate is learned
Violence is Learned
Discrimination is Learned
We can Unlearn
Consent is Possible
Inclusion is Possible
Compassion is Possible
Change is Possible
Our Canvas Values
We envision a society in which all people are free to live authentically and have the tools to form safe, caring relationships. We believe high-quality, proactive education is key to combatting and ultimately ending homophobia, transphobia and sexual violence.
The Canvas Vision
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Our programming is enhanced by the diverse lived experiences of our educators.
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We use creative arts to be engaging and inclusive to all learners
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We always strive to be intersectional, anti-oppressive and accessible
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We provide education with empathy and compassion
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Our holistic model works with individuals at key stages: youth, teachers, and employees
Our Strategic Plan
Our Reach
Each year, we run workshops for more than 10,000 people in schools, workplaces, camps, and community spaces across Ontario.
With the increase of homophobia and transphobia across Canada, more organizations are reaching out to ensure safety and inclusion in their space. We will continue to grow our reach to provide our essential education to as many people as possible.
“Thank you for coming and talking about this because it needs to be talked about"
- Consent at Camp Participant
“I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community and I find it nice to know that other queer people, other queer adults, exist. It’s nice knowing I'm not alone... I like how everyone is being educated so there isn’t any ignorance and people don’t grow up thinking they’re broken or wrong”
- Consent Youth Participant
Our Board
She/Her
Diane Wise
Chair
Vice Chair
Janet Turnbull Irving
She/Her
Secretary
Arielle Lewis
They/Them
Interim Treasurer
Tim Rose
He/Him
Board Member at Large
Jennifer Looi
She/Her
Board Member at Large
Michelle Dowling
She/Her
Land Acknowledgement
We want to honour and express gratitude to the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people of Turtle Island who’s sacred land we are on right now. Today, the land we are standing on is still the home to many of these people. It is our responsibility to remember our history, be aware of how it affects people today, and take care of this land we live and meet on.
Canvas’ Commitment to Reconciliation
We currently:
Include Indigenous lived experience and voices in many programs.
Offer one staff training annually on Indigenous topics.
Give a Land Acknowledgement at every workshop, and discuss its significance.
Provide paid opportunities for Indigenous guest artists.
We seek to:
Include Indigenous lived experience and voices in all programs.
Ensure all program materials about Indigenous identity are produced by an Indigenous designer.
Partner with an Indigenous-led initiative.
