As we stand at the threshold of a promising year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your invaluable contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout 2023.
This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate our 10-year anniversary—a decade marked by pivotal moments, unwavering dedication, and a steadfast
commitment to nurturing diversity within Canadian workplaces, schools and communities. It stands as a testament to our collective efforts in fostering an inclusive environment that cherishes diversity and amplifies every voice.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to share a forthcoming episode of our Leader Talks podcast featuring Normand St-Gelais, Sodexo’s Director of Corporate Responsibility. Normand's journey exemplifies the transformative power of an individual catalyst for change, sparking vital conversations and driving systemic change in the pursuit of inclusivity. Join us as we explore how one person’s initiative can shape a more inclusive future. This episode will be released in early January.
Moreover, I'm thrilled to announce that Mark Tewksbury will be a distinguished keynote speaker at CCDI UnConference 2024. As a fervent advocate for 2SLGBTQI+ rights, Mark's impactful advocacy extends far beyond gender and sexual orientation, profoundly affecting lives through his work in the Special Olympics movement. His unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognized by the Order of Canada, positions him as an exemplary leader shaping discussions on justice and inclusive sport. We eagerly anticipate his insights!
In closing, I am immensely proud of our achievements and our relentless pursuit of inclusive spaces across Canada. Together, let's embark on this new chapter, filled with promise, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Thank you for your steadfast support and dedication. Here's to a year brimming with new possibilities and meaningful endeavors!
Warm regards,
Anne-Marie Pham
CEO
Definity Financial Corporation is an innovative property and casualty insurance company with inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) at the core of its culture and values. Definity’s purpose is “building a better world by helping our clients and communities adapt and thrive” and being a purpose driven, sustainability led leader is core to its strategic business objectives.
A key aspect of Definity's IDEA commitment is the establishment of specific targets for leadership at roles VP+ levels. By 2026, the organization aims to achieve at least 30% women and 15% individuals from equity-deserving groups, including Black, Indigenous, people of colour (BIPOC), 2SLGBTQI+, and persons with disabilities, at the Vice President and Executive Leadership levels. To realize these goals, Definity identifies and develops talent internally, is broadening its recruitment practices, and reviews and removes biases from recruitment, selection, and talent planning practices.
Executive sponsorship is also integral to Definity's overall ESG commitment, with the Executive Leadership Team actively sponsoring IDEA initiatives. Employee Groups (EGs), such as Women's Empowerment, Anti-Racism and Cultural Equity, and LGBTQ+, advocate for awareness, identify barriers, provide input into corporate IDEA initiatives and organize diversity and inclusion events using an intersectional point of view.
External partnerships have been crucial to Definity’s growth. As an Employer Partner of both CCDI and Indigenous Works, Definity's dedication is recognized through its membership in the DreamMakers Council. This distinction grants exclusive access to the DreamMakers Summit, a half-day seminar that takes place every December to share highlights of their key learnings on their organizational journey toward truth and reconciliation.
Definity goes beyond internal initiatives by actively funding CCDI's pivotal pilot study on intersectionality. Supported through the Definity Insurance Foundation, this research project aims to explore non-academic interpretations of intersectionality and its integration into Canadian workforce environments and initiatives, ultimately producing a comprehensive public report to guide workplaces in implementing intersectional strategies. Definity's support is instrumental in driving this crucial research forward, shaping the future landscape of workplace inclusivity in Canada.
Definity's IDEA approach underscores its dedication to creating a workplace where all employees feel a sense of belonging, safety and empowerment, fostering diversity and inclusion as integral elements of the organization's success
Celebrating National Ribbon Skirt Day
On January 4, 2023, Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island (also known as Canada) celebrated the first-ever National Ribbon Skirt Day. It was a significant moment for many Indigenous women because the ribbon skirt represents not only cultural identity but pride, strength, and resilience. In this blog post, Ashley Sheppard, Manager, Learning and Knowledge Solutions at CCDI, shares the complex history of the ribbon skirt and her connection to this important cultural practice.
CCDI UnConference 2024 update
Mark Tewksbury, Canadian Olympic icon and advocate for inclusivity, is confirmed as a keynote speaker for CCDI UnConference 2024. His decorated swimming career, groundbreaking role in reshaping conversations about 2SLGBTQI+ inclusivity in sports as Canada's first openly gay sports hero, and contributions to the Special Olympics movement make him a compelling voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Join us and be inspired at CCDI UnConference 2024.
Office closure
All CCDI offices will be closed from December 25 to January 1 for our annual week of rest. We will reopen on January 2 for regular operations.
Together we are shaping more equitable workplaces, schools and communities through our Employer Partners, moving towards a truly inclusive Canada. Join us in extending a warm welcome to our newest Employer Partners.
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