Celebrating Successes in Gender Diversity

Michelle Branigan

Dec 15, 2019

By Michelle Branigan

Anyone working in the electricity sector in Canada knows the reality of how few women we have in nearly every area of operations. As women have continued to grow their participation in the workforce over the past half-century, male-dominated industries like ours have must continue to make the necessary changes to diversify their workforces. The fact is conclusive that diverse teams are more productive and successful, and we’ve seen much more emphasis on the value of gender diversity in recent years.

At Electricity Human Resources Canada, we’ve recognized the need to advance gender diversity in effective and meaningful ways, which is why we developed the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity: a framework to improve the representation of women at all levels of employment. Making meaningful change in any organization, large or small, takes time; nearly three years later, we’re now seeing substantial progress from our many accord signatories. Not only have signatories tracked a noticeable improvement in hiring and retaining women, they’ve also noted how it has improved their culture and the effectiveness of their work.

Any leader will tell you that it’s important to celebrate success. Likewise, case studies can be a great way to help encourage anyone who may still be uncertain about the value of investing in gender diversity. That’s why we’ve published Advancing Gender Diversity in Canada’s Electricity Sector: A Compendium of Success Stories. This compendium collects stories and testimonies from 18 different organizations that have used the accord to improve their gender diversity. This includes employers like Alectra, IESO, and Nova Scotia Power; educators like Algonquin College; labour organizations like the Society of United Professionals; industry associations like Women in Renewable Energy; and important sector partners like Gowling WLG. Together, these stories illustrate that improving gender diversity is not just possible, but invaluable.

Whether your organization is well underway in addressing gender diversity, or about to take its first steps, I hope that you will read the compendium. It includes a wealth of inspiring and practical examples, and speaks to the reasons why organizations made the commitment to sign the accord in the first place. When you’re ready to follow these successes by signing the accord for your own organization, you can visit our website to learn more and connect with us. EHRC is here to help you succeed with your diversity and inclusion efforts.

Michelle Branigan is CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada.

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…