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

  • Electrical Permit Requirements for Alarm System and Voice, Data, Video Installations

    Electrical Permit Requirements for Alarm System and Voice, Data, Video Installations

    January 19, 2026 Other than the exceptions listed below, electrical permits and inspections are required for all electrical work involved in the installation of intrusion and similar alarm systems in all structures. Electrical permits and inspections ensure that low -voltage systems are installed safely and in compliance with Code requirements. A permit and inspections must Read More…

  • The Role of Lighting in the AI-Powered Home

    The Role of Lighting in the AI-Powered Home

    January 14, 2026 Elizabeth Parks, President and CMO of Parks Associates, joins Derek Richardson, Founder and CEO of Deako, for a wide-ranging conversation on how lighting is becoming a core layer of the intelligent home. The discussion explores how Deako’s plug-and-play lighting approach is removing long-standing barriers to adoption by simplifying installation, reducing costs, and Read More…

  • What Canada’s Lighting Pulse Means for Contractors and Plant Buyers in 2026

    What Canada’s Lighting Pulse Means for Contractors and Plant Buyers in 2026

    January 14, 2025 By John Kerr From the ground, many contractors and plant teams are experiencing the same thing: jobs are there, but they are smaller, more price‑sensitive, and slower to release compared to past years. The Canadian Pulse of Lighting confirms that impression and offers some clear signals about how contractors and plant electrical Read More…

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – 26th Edition[i] – A Road Map: Section 54

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – 26th Edition[i] – A Road Map: Section 54

    January 12, 2026 By Bill Burr The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes it can seem quite daunting to quickly find the information you need. This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B or the Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Leviton Canada Partners with The Titan Group to Strengthen Midwest Presence

    Leviton Canada Partners with The Titan Group to Strengthen Midwest Presence

    January 19, 2026 Leviton Canada is proud to announce its partnership with The Titan Group, who will now represent Leviton’s Residential and Commercial & Industrial product lines across the Midwest provinces, effective January 1, 2026. “We’re excited to begin our partnership with Titan,” said Bill Tischner, Western Sales Director. “Their industry expertise, commitment to service, Read More…

  • Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Xavier Biot as Vice President, Strategic Accounts

    Hammond Power Solutions Appoints Xavier Biot as Vice President, Strategic Accounts

    January 19, 2026 Hammond Power Solutions is pleased to announce the appointment of Xavier Biot as Vice President, Strategic Accounts. In this role, he will lead HPS’s strategic account teams. He will partner with customers to align transformer and power quality solutions with evolving electrification, sustainability, and operational needs. His focus will be on helping Read More…

  • Hammond Manufacturing Expands to Western Canada

    Hammond Manufacturing Expands to Western Canada

    January 13, 2026 Hammond Manufacturing have announced that they are opening a new distribution facility in the Southeast of Calgary, Alberta. The new facility includes over 50,000 sq ft of warehouse space. “This addition will better serve our customers in Western Canada and stock volume and larger products to ensure our distributors have an improve stock Read More…

  • ABB Chosen to Supply Technology for BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels

    ABB Chosen to Supply Technology for BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels

    January 12, 2026 ABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control technology for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries). One of the largest ferry operators in the world, BC Ferries provides year-round vehicle and passenger service on 25 routes to 47 terminals, carrying Read More…