Bruce Power is being named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the second year in a row.
Bruce Power says it was recognized by the Canada’s Top 100 Employers Project 2022 Best Diversity Employers list based on its programs for women and visible minorities, Indigenous people, leadership training opportunities, mental health initiatives and employee services.
The list compares organizations to see which ones offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.
Bruce Power’s Chief Nuclear Officer and Executive Sponsor of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program Chris Mudrick says, “we are extremely proud of the steps we’ve made towards building an inclusive and diverse workforce and workplace.”
He adds they have come a long way, and they are starting to see the results of their efforts, and are now excited to take it to the next level.
Bruce Power says it continues to make progress in its relationship and reconciliation efforts with the Métis Nation of Ontario, the Historic Saugeen Métis, and the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
Bruce Power has been focusing on increasing Indigenous employment and creating economic opportunities within the communities.
In 2022, the company is kicking off an Indigenous Leadership Development Program in order to provide growth opportunities to Indigenous employees.
This follows last year, when the company unveiled an Indigenous Champions Program for employees to further promote cultural awareness, advocate for increased employment opportunities for Indigenous candidates and businesses, and encourage involvement at community events and activities.
Bruce Power as also joined its industry partners to launch a first-of-its-kind pre-apprentice millwright program which provides educational support to Indigenous candidates with placements in the nuclear industry.
“Now that we have more Indigenous employees in our workplace, it’s incumbent on us to provide development opportunities for leadership roles,” says Mudrick.
Bruce Power says as part of its commitment to progress on its diversity, equity and inclusion, they have partnered with Diversio, a Canadian-owned business, to undergo an in-depth internal audit. It will consist of interviews with organizational leaders and an evaluation of their programs, policies and procedures to identify areas of opportunity and support the growth of inclusion.
The company has also made a public commitment to promote the value of diversity and inclusion in their organizations, with 30 per cent of hires in non-traditional roles like trades, maintenance and operations be filled by women in 2021, deemed a significant increase over five years ago.
Bruce Power was also among 300 Canadian companies in 2020 to sign the BlackNorth Initiative to work towards ending anti-Black systemic racism. In 2021, they held educational community events and provided resources to local schools and libraries which support Black cultural awareness and history.