Traditional English grammar often defaults to gendered pronouns such as "he" or "she," which can inadvertently exclude or alienate those who do not identify with these binary categories. It’s important to be aware of these unnecessary references to gender and to strive to be gender-inclusive: that is, inclusive of men, women, and individuals of other genders.

Replacing or omitting a gendered pronoun can help you avoid the use of the gendered singular pronouns “he” and “she” and their different forms. This section aims to provide practical strategies to help you navigate this challenge and produce content that is both clear and inclusive.

We will cover twelve techniques for making your writing more inclusive. Each method is accompanied by examples and guidelines to help you apply these strategies effectively. Whether you’re writing emails, reports, academic papers, or any other type of document, these techniques will empower you to communicate in a way that respects and includes all individuals.

Understanding and implementing inclusive writing techniques is a journey. It requires us to rethink long-established habits and adapt our language to better reflect the diverse society we live in. By adopting these practices, we are contributing to a more inclusive Canada, one word at a time.