Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

In broad terms, diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. It means respect for and appreciation of differences in ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, education, and religion. Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the same opportunities to fulfil their potential. By eliminating prejudice and discrimination, societies are generally healthier and happier. Acceptance involves understanding and togetherness; it celebrates differences and allows people of different places and lifestyles to live together and help each other. Accepting someone means that you let them completely into your heart regardless of their lifestyle or way of thinking. Tolerance involves separateness and ignorance; it requires that two sides endure each other’s presence, even though neither one enjoys it. One side is right and the other one is wrong, but there is nothing that you can do about it. You d