Federal Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan Jr. celebrated the 2024 Employment Equity Achievement Awards today at a ceremony held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
These awards recognize employers for their efforts in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces for women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.
The awards, established in 2016, aim to honor employers who have shown exemplary commitment to employment equity. This year, 11 employers received 13 awards across five categories: Sector Distinction, Outstanding Commitment to Employment Equity, Innovation, Employment Equity Champion, and Indigenous Reconciliation.
In his address, Minister O’Regan emphasized the importance of inclusive workplaces, stating, “When you include everyone, you get the best. The winners of these awards represent the best of the best.”
The event also featured a panel discussion on employment equity, where federal representatives and private sector leaders shared insights and best practices.
2024 winners
Canada Post: Outstanding Commitment to Employment Equity
Canada Post was recognized for its comprehensive training and development programs, which saw over 20,000 completions in courses covering discrimination, harassment, and unconscious bias. The organization also launched an Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Charter and hired specialized advisors to further its diversity and inclusion efforts. Initiatives also included enhancing mental health support and accommodating employees with temporary injuries.
Securiguard Services: Outstanding Commitment to Employment Equity
Securiguard Services received the award for its Securiguard University, which enhances employees’ understanding of diversity and inclusion. The company made significant strides in Indigenous employment through its Indigenous Employment and Training Program, which included covering costs for security training and licensing. The organization also saw a notable increase in female hires.
CIBC: Innovation
CIBC’s innovative approaches to employment equity included expanding in-house support services, such as American Sign Language interpretation, and advancing Indigenous talent through systemic inclusion in hiring processes. The bank also formed partnerships with organizations like Lime Connect and Specialisterne to attract and retain underrepresented talent.
Ontario Power Generation: Innovation
Ontario Power Generation was awarded for its Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, exceeding the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. The organization also developed an employment equity dashboard and created a specialized recruitment team to build partnerships with community organizations.
RST Sunbury: Innovation
RST Sunbury focused on changing perceptions of the transportation sector with its Gender Movement Dashboard, which tracks the promotion and hiring of women. The company aims to extend this tracking to other designated groups, fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive.
SAP Canada: Innovation
SAP Canada was recognized for its Autism at Work program, supporting colleagues on the autism spectrum. The company also launched the SAP Autism Inclusion Pledge and continued its annual support for the Els for Autism Golf Challenge, raising significant funds for autism support programs.
Dexterra Group: Sector Distinction
Dexterra Group’s Outland Youth Employment Program provides education, training, and work opportunities for Indigenous youth. The program offers year-round support, including education, housing, and job placements, significantly contributing to youth employment across Canada.
Sloane Muldoon, Bank of Nova Scotia: Employment Equity Champion
Sloane Muldoon, Senior Vice President of Global HR Services at the Bank of Nova Scotia, was honored for her leadership in championing accessibility and employment equity. Muldoon’s initiatives include improving the onboarding experience for employees with disabilities and advancing truth and reconciliation efforts through the Indigenous Peoples Center of Excellence.
Sean St. John, National Bank of Canada: Employment Equity Champion
Sean St. John, Executive Vice President at the National Bank of Canada, has been a driving force behind the bank’s inclusion and diversity initiatives. His work includes supporting women and Indigenous peoples through various programs and creating new employee-resource groups.
AtkinsRéalis: Indigenous Reconciliation
AtkinsRéalis was recognized for its commitment to Indigenous reconciliation, which includes developing a reconciliation-based approach to support Indigenous socio-economic development and launching a ReconciliACTION Plan to enhance procurement, recruitment, and employee education.
Trans Mountain: Indigenous Reconciliation
Trans Mountain’s efforts in reconciliation involved engaging with Indigenous communities and launching initiatives like the Indigenous Operator Trainee Program. The company also increased Indigenous representation in its workforce and created skill development plans for Indigenous workers.
Dexterra Group: Indigenous Reconciliation
Dexterra Group’s collaboration with over 80 Indigenous partnerships promotes economic growth and employment opportunities for Indigenous-owned businesses. The company’s Indigenous Education and Engagement Committee provides education on Indigenous cultures and histories.
CIBC: Indigenous Reconciliation
CIBC established a Reconciliation Framework in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92. The bank’s initiatives include a national webinar series for Indigenous financial needs, converting leave for traditional practices to paid leave, and improving the Indigenous Housing Loan Program.
The Employment Equity Achievement Awards continue to highlight the significant strides employers are making towards creating inclusive workplaces, setting a benchmark for others to follow.