Why these companies are winning at diversity

Major firms and smaller businesses alike show outstanding employment equity efforts

Why these companies are winning at diversity
Eighteen employers received the Employment Equity Achievement Awards from the government for their efforts to correct workplace disadvantages experienced by women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

“Our workplaces thrive when they are equitable, diverse and inclusive,” said the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour.

“The employers that were recognized for outstanding achievement in employment equity are showing real leadership in fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces.”

Enbridge, Jazz Aviation and the Royal Bank of Canada earned the Sector Distinction award given to firms that are inspirational role models in their sector. They work to achieve equity not only in their organization but in their sector.

The Outstanding Commitment award, meanwhile, recognizes employers that have instituted measures to remove barriers, adopted special measures and/or established positive policies and practices to achieve tangible results.

ATCO Structures & Logistics Ltd, Bell Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, Canadian National Railway, Capital One Bank, Cogeco Connexion Inc., Defence Construction, Hemmera Envirochem, HSBC Bank Canada, Kindersley Transport and Shaw Communications received this award.

Export Development Canada, Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Inc., Queen's University and Rogers Communications Inc. received the Innovation award which recognizes creativity in the design and implementation of measures to remove barriers, adoption of special measures, establishment of positive policies or practices, forward-thinking in human resources practices and/or development of new or unique initiatives.

The recognition was given Thursday in Ottawa.

“It's fitting that we are recognizing your efforts and success during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, when employers are encouraged to think about how they can make their workplaces more inclusive, diverse and accessible for Canadians of all abilities,” said The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.


Related stories:
How diversity affects a company’s bottom line
Is ‘blind recruitment’ the key to workforce diversity?

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