EHRC Launches Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity

EHRC Launches Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity for the Canadian Electricity Industry

March 9, 2017

In honour of International Women’s Day, Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) and Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, officially announced EHRC’s newest initiative to support the increased representation of women as skilled workers in the electricity and renewable energy sector.

The Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity for the Electricity Industry is a public commitment by employers, educators, unions and governments to promote diversity and inclusion within their organizations. Whether it’s through recruitment, retention or governance practices, the signatories to this accord acknowledge that united action is required to ensure the support of women in the industry, along with equality and fairness for the entire workforce.  

These leaders have already signed the accord

Here’s a list of who’s already signed, in alphabetical order. Expect the list to grow.

  • Alectra Inc.
  • Algonquin College
  • ENMAX
  • Hydro Ottawa 
  • International Brotherhood Electrical Workers (IBEW)
  • Ontario Power Generation
  • Power Workers’ Union
  • Society of Energy Professionals

Accord advocates include The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, Electricity Distributors Association (EDA), Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance (CEEA), Energy Council of Canada and Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE).

As in many technical sectors, women working in electricity are under-represented and face barriers that limit their advancement or desire to remain in the sector. These barriers may include conscious or unconscious discrimination, a lack of female role models, or workplace culture and practices that erode an inclusive workplace. Integrating women into workplaces that employ skilled workers requires more than just opening the doors to female employees. Paradigm shifts require repeated focus and attention.

“Diversity breeds innovation. Research has consistently shown that diverse teams are more creative and innovative, while better representing the customers they serve,” says Michelle Branigan, EHRC CEO. “Our objective is to accelerate the rate of change, so that women working in trades’ and technology careers become the norm, and truly reflective of the society we live in today. In addition, we believe that organizations who take the lead in creating a culture of equality and fairness, will open their doors to a wider pool of top talent which will inevitably be reflected in their bottom line.”

“Gender equality matters because our economy needs the talents of all Canadians to thrive and grow,” says Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women. “By working together with employers in the electricity industry, [EHRC] will help build a workplace culture that attracts, supports and promotes women at all levels. This is more than just an investment in women — it is an investment in the future of the industry.”

About the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity

This accord was developed by EHRC and the Connected Women steering committee, a group of industry stakeholders who are working to develop a national mentorship program for women in the sector (to be launched May 2017).

Find out more: http://electricityhr.ca/our-work/projects-programmes/connected-women/.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Statement by ECAO Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on Tariffs

    Statement by ECAO Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on Tariffs

    February 7, 2025 ECAO posted the following statement from Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on their website regarding potential U.S. Tariffs: For almost 80 years, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Ontario (ECAO) has served and represented the interests of Ontario’s industry-leading, unionized electrical contractors. Over those many decades, ECAO has stepped up during times of challenge… Read More…

  • Rigid PVC Conduit vs. ENT in High-Rise and Multi-Use Applications

    Rigid PVC Conduit vs. ENT in High-Rise and Multi-Use Applications

    February 7, 2025 By Phil Crangi Choosing the right high-rise construction conduit can significantly impact project efficiency and costs. While rigid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) conduit may have a lower upfront cost, ENT (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing) offers more significant advantages due to its long-term labor savings and installation efficiency. ENT and fittings form an integrated system… Read More…

  • EFC Tariff Response: Advocating for Free Trade

    EFC Tariff Response: Advocating for Free Trade

    February 7, 2025 STATEMENT FROM CAROL MCGLOGAN, PRESIDENT & CEO, ELECTRO-FEDERATION CANADA ON U.S. TARIFFS Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), representing Canada’s electrical and automation industry, strongly opposes the recent tariffs announced (an subsequently delayed) by President Trump on Canadian imports. These tariffs threaten to disrupt North American supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and… Read More…

  • The ‘Prosumer’: Taking an Active Role in Electricity Management & Generation

    The ‘Prosumer’: Taking an Active Role in Electricity Management & Generation

     “For us, a prosumer is an active homeowner or building owner who manages and distributes their electrical load to optimize energy use in their home or business,” explains Schneider Electric’s David O’Reilly, Vice President of the Home & Commercial Solutions Division. Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Westburne Canada Announces Promotion of Anshul Mathur to President

    Westburne Canada Announces Promotion of Anshul Mathur to President

    February 7, 2025 Rexel has announced the promotion of Anshul Mathur to the position of President, Westburne Canada, effective March 31, 2025. This transition will include a two-month handover period to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities. Anshul joined the Rexel Canada team on July 18, 2011, as a Business Development Account Manager at Westburne…. Read More…

  • Leviton Announces Extended Partnership with Salex for the Ottawa Market

    Leviton Announces Extended Partnership with Salex for the Ottawa Market

    February 7, 2025 Levtion are excited to announce the expansion of their long-standing partnership with Salex into the Ottawa region. “I’m very excited to bring our expertise and solutions to the Ottawa market with Salex. Together, we have demonstrated that our mutual capabilities, solutions, and experience are unrivalled. I look forward to supporting and growing… Read More…

  • AEA Congratulates Leanne Walker for Emerging Leader Award at 2024 AEA Industry Awards

    AEA Congratulates Leanne Walker for Emerging Leader Award at 2024 AEA Industry Awards

    February 7, 2025 Congratulations to Leanne Walker at EECOL Electric for receiving Alberta Electrical Alliance’s Emerging Leader award at their 2024 AEA Industry Awards. View the AEA LinkedIn post on the announcement: Read More…

  • EB Horsman Campbell River’s New Building is Now Open

    EB Horsman Campbell River’s New Building is Now Open

    February 7, 2025 EB Horsman & Son is thrilled to announce that EB Horsman & Son Campbell River has officially opened the doors to it’s new building at 904 Ironwood Street, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 5K7. This move represents an exciting new chapter as EB celebrates 55 years of dedicated service to the community. Located just across the… Read More…