Enbridge, Jazz Aviation and the Royal Bank of Canada were among the companies recognized by the federal government for their commitment to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces on Thursday.
Eighteen federally regulated private sector employers and federal contractors were recognized at the awards in Ottawa, which were presented by 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,” said Hajdu in a news release. “Our workplaces thrive when they are equitable, diverse and inclusive.”
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Enbridge, Jazz Aviation and the Royal Bank of Canada received distinction awards for their respective sectors. In addition, 11 employers received outstanding commitment awards for adopting special measures and/or establishing positive policies around diversity and inclusion.
These employers were: ATCO Structure & Logistics Ltd., Bell Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, Canadian National Railway Co., Capital One Bank, Cogeco Connexion Inc., Defence Construction Ltd., Hemmera Envirochem Inc., HSBC Bank of Canada, Kindersley Transport Ltd. and Shaw Communications Inc.
And four employers were recognized in the category of innovation: Export Development Canada, Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Inc., Queen’s University and Rogers Communications Inc.
In the news release, Kent Hehr, the minister of sport and persons with disabilities, noted the government is committed to help create more inclusive workplaces and will introduce federal legislation in 2018 leading towards a “truly accessible and inclusive Canada.”
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Find out which employer is being honoured for its diversity program at Benefits Canada’s 2017 Workplace Benefits Awards on Oct. 12. The finalists in the diversity category are: Bruce Power, Fidelity Canada and Niagara Casinos.
The category is one of seven that will recognize Canada’s leading employers. The full list of finalists is available here.