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

  • IDEAL Electrical Partners with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area to Support Affordable Housing Initiatives

    IDEAL Electrical Partners with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area to Support Affordable Housing Initiatives

    August 17, 2026 Earlier this month, approximately 30 IDEAL Electrical employees and skilled electricians volunteered alongside Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to help construct Countryside, an affordable 15-unit townhome development in Brampton that will welcome families later this year. Volunteers assisted with electrical wiring and rough-in installation and provide general construction support, helping… Read More…

  • Hubbell Canada Forms Strategic Alliance with Mac’s II Agencies to Strengthen Harsh & Hazardous Market Presence in British Columbia

    Hubbell Canada Forms Strategic Alliance with Mac’s II Agencies to Strengthen Harsh & Hazardous Market Presence in British Columbia

    August 17, 2026 Hubbell Canada is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Mac’s II Agencies, effective August 1, 2026, to represent Hubbell Canada’s Harsh & Hazardous portfolio throughout British Columbia. This newly formed alliance further strengthens Hubbell Canada’s commitment to serving customers operating in some of the most demanding industrial environments, while supporting… Read More…

  • AEA Scholarships and Bursaries Apply by August 31st

    AEA Scholarships and Bursaries Apply by August 31st

    August 17, 2026 The Alberta Electrical Alliance is proud to support our industry with over $320,500 of postsecondary scholarships for current members and their children. Your participation in AEA events helps fund AEA scholarships and build our industry’s future. AEA Sponsored Scholarships Open to employees, dependents, and children of parents who are members of the… Read More…

  • Contractors’ Corner at the 2026 NETCO Conference

    Contractors’ Corner at the 2026 NETCO Conference

    August 17, 2026 ECAO and CECA look forward to joining industry leaders at the NETCO – National Electrical Trade Council 2026 Conference for an important conversation on AI and its growing role in electrical contracting. R. Graeme Aitken, Executive Director of ECAO, Terry Milot, President of the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association, and Témoc Vega, PhD,… Read More…