Canada taking concrete steps to advance diversity and inclusion in private corporations

Minister Bains visits diversity institute to highlight benefits of proposed inclusion law

TORONTO, Oct. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada needs more boardrooms and businesses that reflect our diversity. A more inclusive workforce is paramount to ensuring that Canada can meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of the modern and global economy. Diversity is our strength, and we're committed to ensuring our businesses reflect that diversity.

This was the message that the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, delivered at a panel discussion hosted by the Ted Rogers School of Management's Diversity Institute at Ryerson University.

Minister Bains discussed efforts to develop a new generation of leaders equipped with a variety of skills and experience, which will lead to job creation and business opportunities that will benefit all Canadians. He outlined the measures proposed in Bill C-25, An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Canada Cooperatives Act, the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and the Competition Act, which are designed to encourage Canada's publicly traded companies to recruit more women and other under-represented groups on their corporate boards and in their senior management ranks. A growing body of research shows that businesses benefit from better performance and stronger balance sheets as a result of having senior leaders from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Minister Bains took the opportunity to speak with panelists and with young professionals and leaders on the importance of strategies to advance diversity and inclusion in corporate leadership positions. He outlined various aspects of how Bill C-25 will empower designated under-represented groups such as women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and visible minorities.

Minister Bains also highlighted his recent participation at the meeting of G7 ministers of industry and information and communications technologies in Turin, Italy, during which he advocated for Canada's values of diversity and inclusion.  

Quotes

"Diversity is Canada's strength. In the boardroom, as in life, multiple perspectives lead to innovative thinking and better performance. Our values of diversity, openness and inclusion give Canadians a competitive edge in a global economy that depends on people's ability to navigate through different cultures and languages. I am proud that our proposed legislation, Bill C-25, is promoting these values."
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

• Bill C-25, An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act, the Canada Cooperatives Act, the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act and the Competition Act, aims to update Canada's corporate framework laws to better reflect modern ways of doing business—including through encouraging the promotion of diversity on corporate boards—and make it easier for companies to harness innovation to grow and succeed.
• The Ted Rogers School of Management's Diversity Institute at Ryerson University was founded in 1999 by Dr. Wendy Cukier with the aim of undertaking research on diversity in the workplace to improve practices in organizations.
• Canada and the U.S. have struck a joint task force, the Canada–United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders, to promote women-owned enterprises and boost economic growth.

Follow Minister Bains on Twitter: @MinisterISED

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada