Anti-Racism and Harassment Policy

1.1 Policy Statement

Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver is committed to fostering a respectful, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment. Our goal is to uphold the dignity and worth of every individual—whether student, faculty, staff, or visitor—and to create a culture of understanding, mutual respect, and celebration of diversity.

As a culinary institution, we recognize the deep connections between food, culture, and identity. We embrace diverse culinary traditions and ensure our curriculum, practices, and partnerships reflect a wide range of perspectives. Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver condemns racism, harassment, and all forms of discrimination. We do not tolerate, ignore, or condone discriminatory actions or language.

We are committed to maintaining an educational environment where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is upheld, and all members of our community feel safe, valued, and respected.

1.2 Purpose

This Anti-Racism Policy establishes guidelines to ensure our institution’s policies, curriculum, and practices align with the principles of equity, anti-discrimination, and cultural awareness. This policy is rooted in:

• The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

• The British Columbia Human Rights Code

• Workplace and Educational Equity policies established by the Province of British Columbia

• International human rights standards related to education and workplace inclusion

Through this policy, Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver aims to prevent discrimination, ensure inclusivity, and actively promote diversity within our culinary programs.

2.0 Application

This policy applies to all members of the academy, including students, instructors, staff, administrators, contractors, volunteers, and guests. All activities within the academy—including classroom instruction, culinary training, internships, research, community engagement, and industry partnerships—must align with this policy.

2.1 Services and Facilities

All individuals have the right to equal treatment within Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver’s services and facilities, free from discrimination or harassment based on race, ancestry, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected ground under human rights law.

This policy extends beyond the physical campus to academy-sponsored programs, internships, mentorship opportunities, partnerships, industry events, social functions, and the use of academy communication systems.

3.0 Roles and Responsibilities

All members of the Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver community share the responsibility of upholding this policy.

• Faculty & Staff – Required to incorporate inclusive practices in classroom and kitchen environments.

• Students – Encouraged to report any discriminatory incidents they witness or experience.

• Administration – Responsible for ensuring compliance with anti-discrimination laws, responding to complaints, and taking action on reported violations.

• Community Partners – Must adhere to our inclusion and equity guidelines when collaborating on culinary events, research, and outreach projects.

4.0 Definitions

• Discrimination: The unfair or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on protected grounds, affecting their access to education, employment, and opportunities.

• Systemic Discrimination: Institutional practices that unintentionally exclude or disadvantage specific groups.

• Harassment: Any inappropriate behaviour—verbal, physical, or psychological—that negatively impacts an individual's sense of dignity or belonging.

• Cultural Appropriation: The unethical adoption of elements from historically marginalized cultures, particularly within the culinary industry.

• Diversity & Inclusion: The active recognition and celebration of different cultural, racial, and social identities within the culinary field.

5.0 Accessibility & Reporting

Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver is committed to transparency and accountability. We provide multiple reporting mechanisms to ensure concerns about racism or discrimination are addressed without fear of retaliation:

• Complaint Reporting System – Students and staff may file anonymous complaints through our Office Manager. .

• Anti-Racism Response Committee – A designated selection of instructors and administrators will investigate claims and provide resolutions in a timely and impartial manner.

• Restorative Action Process – In cases where education and reconciliation are appropriate, the academy will offer diversity training to address violations.

6.0 Commitment to Action

Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver pledges to:

• Ensure an inclusive curriculum that respects diverse culinary traditions.

• Maintain an accessible reporting system for discrimination complaints.

• Collaborate with diverse communities through mentorships, guest lectures, and culinary partnerships.

By embedding inclusivity and equity into our core values, we create a thriving educational space where culinary arts serve as a bridge to cultural understanding.

Education/Program Progression Assistance and Learning Support Services

Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver offers education and progression assistance through its faculty and staff. This includes help with course planning, program selection, funding opportunities, and career development. Northwest is available to provide individualized, one-on-one services to students (and graduates) because of the size of the institution. At any given time there are likely no more that 40 students on-site.

Here's a breakdown of the specific assistance available:

• Program Advising:

Northwest offers specific advising for areas of the curriculum that students may struggle with.

• Career Preparation (ACP):

Northwest sends students on stages (observations) and provides specific and customized recommendations regarding employment opportunities while in school and after graduation.

• Funding Opportunities:

Northwest provides students with information about funding sources including student loans, bursaries, and scholarships offered in the province.

• Student Support Services:

Due to our size, we do not have specialized student support services (mental health, addiction services, etc) on-site. But we have a list of services available to students here

• Co-op Education:

For those students completing the one-year program, Northwest does offer services related to co-operative education at food service businesses in Vancouver and beyond. The co-op program includes meetings with students to ensure that they are being treated fairly throughout their co-op.

Local Community Integration Supports

Several organizations offer local community integration and immigration services and provide information and resources for newcomers. 

• Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC): 

Offers settlement and employment services, English classes, and more, including a Welcome Centre for newcomers. 

• MOSAIC: 

Focuses on helping newcomers settle and integrate, with services for immigrants, refugees, and diverse backgrounds. 

• Pathways BC: 

Provides information and resources for newcomers and immigrants. 

• WelcomeBC.ca: 

Offers information and resources on settling in British Columbia. 

• Success BC: 

Provides immigrant settlement and integration services, including the Richmond Service Centre. 

• City of Vancouver: 

The Vancouver Immigration Partnership (VIP) connects community groups to support newcomer settlement. 

• Impact North Shore:

A charity providing services for newcomers in North and West Vancouver. 

Health Insurance:

Students are encouraged to apply for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) as soon as possible to insure against significant out of pocket expenses due to injury or illness. While waiting for MSP eligibility students may want to investigate travel insurance or a temporary international insurance.  BC MSP information can be found here: 

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/health-fee-international-students 

While Northwest cannot specifically recommend a temporary international insurance provider, there are many available. 

Transit:

Northwest Culinary Academy is on Main Street near Broadway Ave. 

On Main Street students would take the #3 bus. The stop is approximately one block south of the school. 

As well, students can take the 99 (B-Line) and #9 buses along Broadway to reach the school. These buses join to the Expo and Millenium Lines at Commercial Drive and the Canada Line at Cambie Street. 

For information on Fare Zones and Fares please visit: https://www.translink.ca/transit-fares 

Banking Guide for International Students

• Opening an Account: Requires a study permit, passport, and proof of enrollment. Some banks may ask for extra ID.

• Account Types: Chequing (daily use), Savings (for emergencies), Credit Cards (helps build credit), GICs (for immigration proof of funds).

• Considerations: Look for low/no fees, online banking, international transfers, and seek financial advice.

• Major Financial Institutions: Scotiabank, TD, CIBC, RBC, VanCity, Coast Capital—each offering student-friendly banking options.

• Proof of Funds: Some study permits require proof of financial stability. Check official Canadian guidelines.

Child Care:

The British Columbia government has extensive information on child care options. Please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/caring-for-young-children/childcarebc-programs 

Communications:

Mobile Phones & SIM Cards

Canadian mobile services may be more expensive than in other countries, often charging for incoming calls and additional service fees. If bringing your own phone, ensure it's unlocked so it can work with local SIM cards. When purchasing a new phone, ask if it's unlocked to avoid being tied to a single provider.

Cell Phone Providers

Mobile plans vary between contract-based and pay-as-you-go options. Some providers offer back-to-school discounts for students. Major carriers include:

• Bell Mobility

• Rogers Wireless

• Telus Mobility 

• Other providers: Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Virgin Mobile, etc

To get a contract, you will most likely need two pieces of identification (ID).

Internet Providers

Students can access standalone internet services or bundle them with TV, mobile, or landline packages. Providers include:

• Major companies: Shaw, Telus

Many providers offer student discounts, so it’s worth comparing plans before committing.

Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver does not offer direct financial assistance for students. However, Northwest does sponsor a $1500 scholarship through Les Dames D’ Escoffier. For more information please 

https://lesdames.ca/scholarship-program/

As well, Northwest does make any external scholarship available to all students when it is received. 

Mental Health, Crisis Support and Addiction Services

please call 911

This will give you emergency assistance from the Ambulance, Police or Fire department Services

Here2Talk is a service available to all post-secondary students. From the Here2Talk website: 

For most students, post-secondary education is a time of mixed emotions as they learn to navigate a new routine, gain more independence, and balance competing social and academic priorities. The good news is, you don't have to do it alone!

Here2Talk connects students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students – domestic or international – currently registered in a B.C. post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web.

For your convenience, we provide counselling and support services in various languages upon request. We will try our best to match people to support in their preferred language. However, please note that language-specific counsellors, and third-party translation services are limited and therefore, subject to availability and/or a waiting time.

For services access: 

www.here2talk.ca

Canada-wide toll free, dial: 1-877-857-3397

Canada-wide direct, dial: 604-642-5212

If you are accessing from outside Canada. International calling charges may apply, dial: +1-604-642-5212

For Specific Services Please View the Following Websites

BC Suicide and Crisis Centre
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis Centre) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help students in distress. 

HealthLinkBC
Dial - 811
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/

Access to non-emergency health information. Available by telephone, our website, a mobile app and a collection of print resources.

KUU-US Crisis Support Line
1-800-588-8717
https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com/

A crisis support service available to Indigenous people throughout the Province of British Columbia. 

Multicultural Victims Services
604-254-9626
Multicultural Victim Services (MVS) | MOSAIC Programs

Emotional support, information about rights, and referrals for those living in Vancouver and Burnaby. This program is tailored to the needs of multicultural and immigrant peoples.

QCHAT
1-855-956-1777
https://www.qchat.ca/

Peer support line and resource database for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in British Columbia.

WAVAW Rape Crisis Centre
604-255-6344
https://www.salalsvsc.ca/get-support/

Provide support services to survivors of sexualized violence. Services are specific to women, trans, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and gender diverse people.

BC Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

https://www.bcmhsus.ca/mental-health-substance-use-services 

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS), part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, provides specialized treatment to people with the most severe and complex mental health and substance use disorders in British Columbia.

Recovery Services and Treatment Support

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/what-you-need-to-know/recovery-services-treatment-support 

Harm-Reduction Services

https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/substance-use/harm-reduction 

NWCAV Crisis Management Policy

I. Purpose

The NWCAV ownership team holds as one of its primary responsibilities the provision of a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, parents, volunteers, and visitors. The school is aware that crisis situations may arise at any time, and that planning and preventative measures may help prevent, resolve, or ameliorate crises. The purpose of this Crisis Management Policy is to act as a guide for Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver (NWCAV) administrators, instructors, staff, students, NWCAV Board members, and community members to address a wide range of potential crisis situations at the academy. NWCAV will address these potential crisis situations through a Crisis Management Plan.

II. General Statement of Policy

Overall goals of the Crisis Management Plan are to:

• Provide students with a safe learning environment.

• Provide staff with a safe environment for employment.

• Help assure that those who visit Northwest are provided with a safe environment to visit, learn, and work, and that in the unlikely event of a crisis, there is a plan in place to react.

• Help ensure that academy safety measures are managed in compliance with provincial and federal laws.

NWCAV will ensure that relevant emergency responders in the community have access to its building-specific crisis management plans and will provide training to NWCAV staff to enable them to act appropriately in the event of a crisis.

III. Preparation Before an Emergency

Communication

Academy Employees: Instructors and staff have the most direct contact with students on a day-to-day basis. As a result, they must be aware of their role in responding to crisis situations. This also applies to non-teaching academy personnel who have direct contact with students. All staff shall be aware of NWCAV’s Crisis Management Policy and their own building’s crisis management plan.

Students and Parents: Students shall be made aware of NWCAV’s Crisis Management Policy. Each building’s crisis management plan shall set forth how students and parents are made aware of the academy and building-specific plans. Students shall receive specific instruction on plan implementation and shall participate in a required number of drills and practice sessions throughout the academic year.

Planning and Preparing for Fire

• Designate a safe area at least 100 feet away from the building to enable students and staff to evacuate. The safe area should not interfere with emergency responders or responding vehicles and should not be in an area where evacuated persons are exposed to any products of combustion. (Depending on the wind direction, where the building on fire is located, the direction from which the fire is arriving, and the location of fire equipment, the distance may need to be extended.)

• The building’s facility diagram and site plan shall be available in appropriate areas of the building and shall identify the most direct evacuation routes to the designated safe areas both inside and outside of the building. The facility diagram and site plan must identify the location of the fire alarm control panel, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, hoses, water spigots, and utility shut-offs.

• Instructors and staff will receive training on the location of the primary emergency evacuation routes and alternate routes from various points in the building.

Facility Diagrams and Site Plans

The NWCAV building will have a facility diagram and site plan that includes information such as the location of primary and secondary evacuation routes, exits, and designated safe areas.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

The school will maintain a current list of emergency telephone numbers and the names and addresses of local, county, and provincial personnel who may be involved in a crisis situation. The list will include telephone numbers for local police, fire, ambulance, hospital, the Poison Control Center, county and provincial emergency management agencies, local public works departments, local utility companies, the public health nurse, mental health/suicide hotlines, and the county welfare agency. A copy of this list will be kept on file in the NWCAV administrative office and will be updated annually.

NWCAV employees will receive training on how to make emergency contacts, including 911 calls.

Media Procedures

The Academy Administrator has the authority and discretion to notify emergency contacts and the academy community in the event of a crisis or early academy closure. The Academy Director will designate a spokesperson who will notify the media in the event of a crisis or early academy closure. The spokesperson will receive training to ensure that the academy is in strict compliance with federal and provincial law relative to the release of private data when conveying information to the media.

Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Procedures

Short-term behavioral health crisis intervention procedures will set forth the procedure for initiating behavioral health crisis intervention plans. The procedures will utilize available resources including academy student support staff, community behavioral health crisis intervention, or others in the community. Counseling procedures will be used whenever the Academy Director or senior instructor on duty determines it to be necessary, such as after an assault, a hostage situation, an active threat, or a suicide. The behavioral health crisis intervention procedures shall include the following steps:

• The Academy Administrator will meet with relevant persons, including student support staff, to determine the level of intervention needed for students and staff.

• Designate private counseling areas.

• Escort classmates and close friends of any victims as well as others in need of emotional support to the counseling areas.

• Prohibit media from interviewing or questioning students or staff.

• Provide follow-up services to students and staff who receive counseling.

• Resume normal academy routines as soon as possible.

Long-Term Recovery Intervention Procedures

Long-term recovery intervention procedures may involve both short-term and long-term recovery planning:

• Physical/structural recovery.

• Fiscal recovery.

• Academic recovery.

• Social/emotional recovery.

IV. Miscellaneous Procedures

Chemical Accidents

Procedures for reporting chemical accidents shall be posted at key locations such as culinary labs, pastry kitchens, and cleaning supply storage areas.

Visitors

NWCAV shall implement procedures mandating visitor identification at the front desk.

Live International Orientation (Via online media app)  

When you complete your in-person or video interview, you will be given a tour of the school by one of our chefs. This interview is mandatory for all students and the tour is included as part of the interview. .

During the interview session you will learn about all aspects of the school including the programs your taking, how classes are delivered, and essential information for your you to know during your time at Northwest. Students will also be encouraged to ask questions related to their expected experience at Northwest. 

In-Person Orientation 

When students arrive in Vancouver they are STRONGLY encouraged to visit the school prior to the first day of class. They will be given an in-person tour and be able to ask any questions they may have. NWCAV will make an instructor available to do this tour during working hours. 

Northwest First Day

All students are encouraged to come to school early on the first day. This will give instructors and staff an opportunity to address concerns before the day gets started. 

With a small class size and excellent student/teacher ratio, there is no reason that this cannot be completed for any student who requires it. 

New Student Orientation is your opportunity to:

• Discover Northwest

• Learn about services and resources

• Meet fellow classmates

• Receive guidance from instructors and students who have completed programming already

• Learn about the student experience at Northwest