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What is Diversity, Equity and Inclusion?

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are three closely linked values held by many organizations that are working to advance different groups of individuals in society, including people of different races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders and sexual orientations.

Building Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in your Organization

Diversity is the future: according to Statistics Canada, landed immigrants made up the majority (60%) of employment gains in 2017; nearly 80% of Canada’s indigenous population are under 55 years of age, compared to 67% in the rest of Canada; and in 2018 women made up nearly 48% of the Canadian workforce. With diversity becoming the norm in workspaces across Canada, it is fast becoming necessary for Canadian employers to adapt. To meet this need, Electricity Human Resources Canada has developed resources to support the inclusion of under-represented groups in the electricity sector.

Agents of Change

Agents of Change

Since its launch in 2018, Agents of Change has been an exceptional professional development opportunity for HR professionals, students and new graduates, company leaders and DEI champions. We are proud to provide a platform that brings together employers, unions, academia, associations, nonprofits and government.

Each year, attendees tell us they leave inspired and equipped with new knowledge and resources to empower underrepresented individuals in their workplaces – not just in the electricity sector, but in industries nationwide.

May 14, 2025 | Toronto, ON

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DEI Consulting & Training Services

We’re passionate about empowering organizations to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion and foster workplaces where every individual is valued and supported. We are advancing an inclusive Canadian electricity workforce that powers our sustainable energy future.

EHRC’s training programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization and employees, ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training aligns with your goals and values.

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Alberta Peer Learning Communities

Critical labour challenges, technological advancements and a retiring workforce all point to difficult workforce challenges for the electricity sector.

EHRC has teamed up with the Government of Alberta to deliver industry-leading HR resources to address current and future workforce requirements to help ensure the integrity of Alberta’s power grid – now and for future generations.

Significant talent growth opportunities include women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and newcomers. HR professionals are shaping the solutions required to source and retain the talent pool with the skills and expertise required to meet Alberta’s current and future electricity capacity.

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EnAbling Change

As the electricity sector is rapidly evolving, innovative strategies to recruit, onboard and retain candidates define our leaders.

EHRC supports employers with the information and tools to diversify its workforce. The industry cannot afford not to become more inclusive of people with disabilities.

The EnAbling Change program team has developed these tools to support employers in engaging with candidates with a disability so they may feel more included in the sector. All resources developed through this project have been designed in partnership with industry stakeholders to ensure their relevance to Canada’s electricity industry.

Learn about EnAbling Change

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Welcoming Newcomers

Welcoming Newcomers is a wage subsidy program and incentive for employers to recruit professionally skilled, internationally trained workers.

A four-month internship with a wage subsidy of up to 50%, or $10,000 maximum, is available to eligible employers. Click below to find information about eligibility requirements and an overview of the process, as well as the forms to complete to pursue this opportunity.

Learn about Welcoming Newcomers

Illuminate Opportunity

Illuminate Opportunity is a comprehensive, first-of-its-kind toolkit to support developing diversity, equity and inclusion practices for employers in Alberta and beyond.

It guides employers to apply a diversity and inclusion lens to attract a full range of qualified individuals.

Explore the toolkit

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Returnship Toolkit

The Returnship Toolkit is an extensive guide that can be used by organizations to create pathways for individuals seeking to re-enter the workforce after a period of absence due to caregiving responsibilities.

This compendium of resources provides actionable ways for employers to connect, recruit and retain this audience as they balance their caregiving responsibilities. Human resources professionals, leadership, hiring managers, and those involved in acquiring and retaining talent from a returnee population will find valuable and practical information to support their strategies.

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Leadership Accord on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Leadership Accord on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a public commitment by Canadian employers, educators, unions and governments to promote values of diversity, equity and inclusion within their organizations.

Learn about the Accord

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DEI Service Directory

DEI Service Directory

EHRC’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) service directory supports individuals and employers in their search for valuable resources from national organizations. Ranging from legal and immigration services to community networks and women’s shelters, the directory connects you with the most relevant resources – with filtering options by location, expertise and more.

Access the directory