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


Changing Scene

  • CAF-FCA Welcomes Federal Apprenticeship Investments, Urges Focus on Implementation

    CAF-FCA Welcomes Federal Apprenticeship Investments, Urges Focus on Implementation

    May 1, 2026 CAF-FCA welcomes the federal government’s strong focus on skilled trades in the 2026 Spring Economic Update, including new investments in apprenticeship pathways, financial supports, and employer incentives. These measures reflect long standing priorities advanced by employers and partners across the country. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) welcomes the Government of Canada’s renewed Read More…

  • ECABC Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

    ECABC Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

    April 30, 2026 ECABC is proud to announce that Bill Strain and Rob Tate will be inducted into the ECABC Electrical Hall of Fame this June. Bill and Rob have devoted their careers to the electrical contracting industry in British Columbia. Induction into the Electrical Hall of Fame is the highest honour the Association can Read More…

  • Nexans Initiates Copper Mark Recertification for Montreal Site

    Nexans Initiates Copper Mark Recertification for Montreal Site

    April 27, 2026 Nexans Canada Inc. has initiated the Copper Mark recertification process for its site located at 460 Durocher Avenue in Montreal. As part of this process, an independent external assessment of the site is scheduled for April 22–24, 2026. Copper Mark is an independent assurance framework designed to assess the responsible practices of industrial sites against recognized Read More…

  • Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre Adding Solar as Part of GICB Program

    Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre Adding Solar as Part of GICB Program

    April 27, 2026 The Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre will generate solar energy following an investment of $589,762 from the federal government through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. This funding will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and annual electricity costs for the facility. A rooftop solar generation system will convert solar energy into Read More…