Moving the Needle Forward on International Women’s Day

CEW 28 EFC WomensDay 400

March 3, 2022

By Daniela De Marco, Marketing Manager, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)

On March 8, 2022, individuals, organizations, industries, and supportive communities worldwide will celebrate achievements, raise awareness, and pledge to take further action to tackle the systemic barriers that can often hold women back. This year’s International Women’s Day theme centres on breaking gender-conscious and unconscious-bias.

The Electrical and Automation industries are set to take part in this global movement. Our innovative markets thrive on new technologies, superior services, and a talented workforce – and we lean on and learn from one another to empower and support a strong network of diverse people. 

In 2019, the industry banded together when EFC launched its Women’s Network with partners from BCEA’s Women’s Network and AEA’s Women’s Network to offer members from coast-to-coast access to professional development and personal empowerment to support women in the industry. Since then, Affiliated Distributors Canada has joined this important cause as the need expands across industry sectors. 

In honour of International Women’s Day, EFC will host a celebratory virtual event on March 8th that includes a national panel discussion. The panel will acknowledge the need to mobilize the #BreakTheBias movement and discuss solutions to create a level-playing field to support gender equality across our industry. Moving the needle forward takes a collective effort of community initiatives and individual practices. We are proud that industry peers are ready and willing to make a difference for diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

On International Women’s Day, we will hear from both women and men who are making a difference for gender parity in the electrical and automation industries.

The panelists include:

  • Catherine McKeown, Chief People Officer, Hammond Power Solutions
  • Krystyna LeBlanc, CIO & Director of eCommerce & Marketing, Eddy Group
  • Salma Siddiqui, Director of Sales, Ascot Capital Group (Stanpro)
  • Vanessa Ricard, Business Development Lead, Agence Ricard
  • Rob Dewar, President, AD Canada

All are welcome to join this celebration and critical discussion. Visit EFC’s event page for more details; click HERE

To learn more about EFC’s Women’s Network, click HERE.

“Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • What 2025 Revealed About Canada’s Electrical Industry

    What 2025 Revealed About Canada’s Electrical Industry

    December 16, 2025 By Carol McGlogan, President & CEO, Electro-Federation Canada The past year required Canada’s electrical industry to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. In 2025, businesses across the value chain navigated shifting trade conditions, evolving policy landscapes, and growing expectations tied to electrification and infrastructure expansion. Trade uncertainty introduced new complexity. Organizations reassessed… Read More…

  • Considerations for EV Charging Installation and Site Preparation

    Considerations for EV Charging Installation and Site Preparation

    December 15, 2025 By Blake Marchand As part of our recent discussion with LEDVANCE EVSE Product Manager, Erich Bockley, he emphasized the importance of site preparation Site preparation can be the most complicated part of the project, Bockley emphasized, a lot needs to be considered before the installation work begins. Many public charging applications will… Read More…

  • Ontario’s Multi-Family Component Leads Residential Sector Increases in October Building Permits

    Ontario’s Multi-Family Component Leads Residential Sector Increases in October Building Permits

    December 15, 2025 In October, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose $1.8 billion (+14.9%) to $13.8 billion. The increase in construction intentions was led by the residential sector (+$1.1 billion). An increase was also observed in the non-residential sector (+$702.8 million). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in… Read More…

  • Residential Investment in Building Construction Declines in September

    Residential Investment in Building Construction Declines in September

    December 15, 2025 Overall, investment in building construction decreased 1.1% to $22.4 billion in September. Investment in the residential sector declined 1.7%, while that in the non-residential sector was virtually unchanged. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 6.0% in September. On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of investment in building construction in September decreased 1.4%… Read More…


Changing Scene