Bold Voices, Brave Spaces—From commitment to action on fairness, representation and belonging in Canada’s electricity workforce
May 20, 2026 | Ottawa, ON – More than 150 leaders, advocates and emerging professionals gathered in Montreal, QC last week with a shared goal: to move fairness, representation and belonging in Canada’s electricity workforce from commitment to action. Convened by EHRC in collaboration with Women in Renewable Energy (WiRE), the 2026 Agents of Change conference created space for candid dialogue, practical solutions and sector-wide accountability—grounded in the theme Bold Voices, Brave Spaces.
From May 13 to 14, participants didn’t just surface the barriers facing underrepresented workers; they worked across roles and perspectives to identify what must change, and how to make it happen. As the electricity sector scales to meet the demands of the clean energy transition, the message was consistent: building a workforce that is diverse, equitable and inclusive is essential to sustaining growth, strengthening innovation and closing persistent talent gaps.
That focus on action, not just intention, carried through every session and conversation, shaping both the priorities raised and the commitments participants took forward.
Turning conversations into impact
Agents of Change 2026 focused on moving beyond intent to implementation. Through keynotes, panels and cross-sector dialogue, participants examined persistent barriers and identified concrete steps employers, labour partners and institutions can take to build a more inclusive electricity workforce.
Key themes and actions emerging from the conference include:
- Embedding inclusion into organizational systems: Equity must be integrated into hiring, performance management, leadership development and succession planning—not treated as a stand-alone initiative.
- Building cultures of trust, safety and accountability: Creating respectful, psychologically safe workplaces strengthens retention, engagement and overall performance.
- Supporting underrepresented workers where work happens: Employers must take practical steps to ensure inclusive environments across both office and field settings.
- Leveraging technology responsibly: A human-centred approach to artificial intelligence can support more equitable outcomes in hiring, talent development and decision-making.
- Closing the sector’s growing talent gap: Organizations must rethink recruitment, training and retention to expand access and build a more representative, future-ready workforce.
A sector-wide call to leadership
Across sessions, one message resonated: progress requires sustained leadership, measurable outcomes and sector-wide collaboration. Organizations must commit to transparent reporting, continuous improvement and holding leaders accountable for inclusion outcomes.
“What we heard at Agents of Change is clear: this work cannot wait for better conditions or quieter conversations,” said Michelle Branigan, EHRC’s CEO. “Building a workforce grounded in fairness, representation and belonging requires steady leadership, visible commitment and action that is embedded, not performative. Across this sector, organizations are already showing what’s possible. Now is the moment to stand firm, work together and keep moving forward—because the future of our industry depends on who we bring with us.”
Recognizing leadership and impact
EHRC recognizes individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion across the sector:
Agent of Change Award
Dr. Michael Wrinch, Founder and CEO of Hedgehog Technologies, was honoured with the 2026 Agent of Change Award for his leadership in advancing equity through community-driven energy solutions and workforce development. His work has enabled Indigenous communities, including Fort Severn First Nation and the Haida Nation, to build, operate and maintain their own solar energy systems; creating not only clean power, but local skills development, economic opportunity and long-term self-sufficiency.
Beyond project delivery, Michael has demonstrated a sustained commitment to building a more inclusive talent pipeline for the sector, including his support for EHRC’s Greening a Generation initiative and collaboration with the UN Global Compact. His leadership reflects a model of impact that extends beyond individual organizations; helping to reshape how the electricity sector engages communities, develops talent and shares the benefits of the energy transition.
Leadership Accord Trailblazer Award
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) received the inaugural Leadership Accord Trailblazer Award in recognition of its sustained, measurable progress in embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across all levels of the organization. The award was accepted by Sue Gagne, Vice President of Human Resources, IESO. Rather than treating inclusion as a standalone initiative, the IESO has integrated DEI into core business practices; from performance management and talent acquisition to leadership development and succession planning. By consistently measuring outcomes, reporting transparently and refining its approach, the IESO has demonstrated what it means to move from commitment to operational excellence in inclusion and setting a benchmark for organizations across the electricity sector.
Looking ahead
Agents of Change 2026 reinforced that meaningful change is already underway—but accelerating progress requires continued momentum, shared responsibility and bold leadership across the electricity sector.
EHRC extends its sincere thanks to all partners, presenters and attendees who contributed to the success of Agents of Change 2026 and recognizes Presenting Sponsor, the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW) and Quebec Association Partner, Association de l’industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ), for their leadership and continued commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive electricity workforce in Canada.
About EHRC
Electricity Human Resources Canada is the national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the Canadian electricity sector has a safety-focused, highly skilled and inclusive workforce. EHRC works with employers, labour, educators and governments to develop solutions to workforce challenges and promote career opportunities in electricity and renewable energy. To learn more, visit ehrc.ca.
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EHRC
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