2024 EDI Forum: The Business of EDI

Wednesday, June 5, 2024
8:30 AM
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Schedule:Registration: 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Program: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lunch: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Program: 1:00 - 3:15 p.m.
Reception: 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.

Full Agenda(PDF)

This event will have Closed Captioning and ASL interpretation.

ASL and CC


Submit Your Questions

We want you to be part of the discussion. To participate, go to slido.com and use the password #EDI2024


Sponsor Resources

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 94,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. Diversity and Inclusion | RBC 

KPMG in Canada is a leading professional services firm committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and mentally healthy culture. With a longstanding commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (ID&E), KPMG is passionate and committed to helping clients build inclusive workplaces and develop strategies that address the needs of their employees, clients, and communities — the firm advocates for ID&E and mental health within corporate Canada. Learn more about how we are moving forward with intention here.

Pacific Blue Cross is committed to promoting and protecting the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) of its employees and members. As BC’s largest Health Benefits Society, we also understand that DEI is a journey of continual learning and improvement, not a singular destination. We continue to update our health plans to be more inclusive, engage in dialogue and diversity education for our staff, and inform ourselves on ongoing learnings about the impact of cultural identifiers on health.

As a proud sponsor of the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, a member of the Canadian Centre of Diversity Inclusion, and through our partnership with Pride at Work, we are continuously learning and assessing our culture, products and processes to ensure our growth in the principles of DEI. Learn more.  

Lighthouse Labs and Upskill Canada have come together to offer Canadian workers the opportunity to find new careers through skills training and job placement in the rapidly growing cyber security sector. If you have three or more years of work experience in any field, not limited to cyber security, you may be eligible to attend a retraining program to learn in-demand digital skills. Program participants benefit from expert career services support to help you navigate the job market and jump-start your journey. More information.

CGLCC is a coalition of 2SLGBTQI+ businesses, corporate sponsors, government liaisons, and community partners advocating for a more inclusive Canadian economy. We provide connections and education for our partners looking to expand their DEI efforts - by helping them move from awareness to action. CGLCC promotes and supports Supplier Diversity in procurement.

Inclusivity is Canada’s leader in practical, data-driven EDI solutions. As a trusted partner to organizations across North America, we build stronger, more inclusive teams. Through our comprehensive suite of consulting services, interactive learning programs and data analytics we help organizations, at any stage of their EDI journey. We drive sustainable change, whether that’s the systems and processes that shape the work or the behaviours that bring the culture to life. Our goal is to set organizations up for success and support with expertise as needed.

Odlum Brown has been helping clients achieve their financial goals for over 100 years. Through disciplined investment advice, objective research and other value-added services, the firm offers an exceptional full-service experience to grow and preserve clients’ wealth for the long term. Odlum Brown also invests in the communities where its clients and team members live and work through its passionate support of over 150 charitable organizations across Canada. Learn more.


3nd Annual EDI Forum 2023

In a world marked by increasing polarization, new and innovative strategies and approaches that go beyond conventional boundaries are required to build bridges and create a more inclusive and united community.

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council invites you on a journey on what it takes to get to a truly inclusive and equitable world, making the case that diversity is better for business. Using the five stages of DEI maturity as a foundation, we’ll look at legislation and compliance, data-driven decision-making and practical approaches, and how to move from tactics to integrated, strategic and sustainable processes for businesses.

With interactive workshops and inspiring keynote sessions you will:

  • Become equipped with practical tools and strategies to navigate the complexities of building an inclusive community in today's changing and polarized world.
  • Engage with thought leaders and change-makers who are at the forefront of redefining the conversation around EDI.
  • Gain valuable insights into the power of inclusive leadership, the impact of technology on diversity, and fresh perspectives on fostering a sense of belonging.

Together, let's embark on a journey towards understanding, collaboration, and transformation of our communities. Be part of the movement to create a more connected, empathetic, and inclusive future.

 

A conversation with Lainey Lui

Lainey will kick off this year's EDI Forum in this conversation-style presentation and address the big questions on people's minds around representation, the current environment, media and so much more. 

Lainey Lui

Elaine "Lainey" Lui
Founder and Editor
LaineyGossip.com

BIO

Bridgitte Anderson

Moderator: Bridgitte Anderson (she/her)
President and CEO
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

Closing Keynote

Akim "Dreamer" Aliu

Akim "Dreamer" Aliu
Professional Hockey Player and
Founder, Hockey Diversity Alliance

BIO

Chris May

Moderator: Chris May (he/him)
General Manager
BC Place


Panel Discussion

EDI Legislation and HR Compliance in Practice

This panel will delve into the intersection of EDI legislation and compliance from both legal and HR perspectives. As organizations strive to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces, understanding legislation such as the Pay Transparency Act, Employment Equity Act and Accessibility Canada Act alongside HR best practices for recruitment, training, performance management, and workplace accommodations is essential for mitigating risks and driving long-term meaningful change.

Panellists:

Dave Bhauruth  Nikki Caulfield  Adrienne Smith   Jillian Frank  

Dave Bhauruth (he/him), Executive Director, Reconciliation & EDI, British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives
Nikki Caulfield (she/her), General Manager Corporate Services, City of Coquitlam
Adrienne Smith (they/them), Human Rights Activist and Social Justice Lawyer, Adrienne Smith Law
Moderator: Jillian Frank (she/her), Partner, Employment & Labour Law, National ESG Legal Services Lead, KPMG


Breakout Sessions

Track 1 - Leveraging Analytics for an Effective EDI Strategy

This workshop will examine how organizations leverage data analytics and metrics to inform their EDI strategies and measure progress. Best practices for collecting and analyzing diversity data, identifying areas for improvement, and using data-driven insights will be shared and linked to case studies.

Facilitator

Wyle Baoween  

Wyle Baoween (he/him), CEO, Inclusivity

Track 2 - The Business Case for EDI

This session will dive into the compelling business case for organizations to embrace EDI as a strategic imperative. Hear from organizations that have made EDI a pillar of their strategic plan, strategies for implementation, and the benefits to their bottom line.

Panellists:

PJ Jhamat Martin Thibodeau Kory Wilson Rob Chiarello  

PJ Jhamat (she/her), Senior Director Public Sector, Accenture Canada
Martin Thibodeau (he/his/him), Regional President, British Columbia, RBC Royal Bank
Kory Wilson (she/her), Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, BCIT
Moderator: Rob Chiarello (he/his/him), Senior Vice President, People & Culture, Pacific Blue Cross


Breakout Sessions

Track 1 - Small Steps, Big Impact: Strategies for EDI Success in Small and Medium-sized Businesses

Integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion practices and policies within any organization is essential for driving success, attracting top talent, and remaining competitive. However small and medium-sized businesses typically face unique challenges, mainly related to resources and capacity that limit the scope and effectiveness of implementing EDI policies. This panel discussion brings together businesses that are navigating these challenges to explore strategies for removing barriers to inclusion.   

Panellists:

Jason Atakhanov   Amanda Alexander   Rosine Hage-Moussa   Sheh Shojaee  

Jason Atakhanov, Founder, Setsail Interactive
Amanda Alexander (she/her), Chief Health Equity Officer, YMCA
Rosine Hage-Moussa (she/her), Director of Events, Programs & EDI Initiatives, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Moderator: Sheh Shojaee (she/her), Founder and Leadership, Business & JEDIA Coach, A Brave Thought

Track 2 - An Integrated Model: Effective Diversity and Inclusion at Large Enterprise and Public Sector Organizations

Larger enterprises and public sector organizations play a pivotal role in serving diverse communities and upholding principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. As stewards of public trust and resources, these organizations have a responsibility to foster inclusive workplaces and advance social equity. This panel discussion brings together experts and leaders from larger organizations to explore effective strategies tailored to the unique context, availability of resources and challenges faced by larger enterprises and public sector organizations.

Panellists:

Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson   Lesley MacDonald   Stephanie Redivo   Giselle Blackman  

Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson (she/her), Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion, SFU
Lesley MacDonald (she/her), Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA) Team Attraction Development Culture, Human Resources , BC Hydro
Stephanie Redivo (she/her/hers), Director, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, TransLink
Moderator: Giselle Blackman (she/her), Vice President, HR, Fit Foods


Presenting Sponsors:

https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/personal.html
https://kpmg.com/ca/en/home.html

In Partnership with:

Supporting Sponsors:

https://www.destinationvancouver.com/
https://www.amazon.ca/
https://www.pac.bluecross.ca/
https://www.lighthouselabs.ca/
https://cglcc.ca/
https://inclusivityinsight.com/

Breakfast Sponsor:

Lunch Sponsor:

Accessibility Partner:

Preferred Media Partner:

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Signature Partner:

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Supporting Sponsor:

Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council Community Sponsors:

https://www.pac.bluecross.ca/

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Partner:

This event is presented by the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council (DLC) Program. The DLC, an evolution of the Women's Leadership Council program, is an inclusive program that champions and advocates for leadership that best reflects the diversity of the Greater Vancouver region. The DLC focuses on addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion to encourage allyship and enhance business innovation. The DLC is committed to investing in the participation and promotion of underrepresented groups, while supporting the business community to achieve their diversity and inclusion goals. Learn more boardoftrade.com/programs.