TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) is pleased to announce it has signed an agreement with Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) to become an advocate for its Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity in the Canadian Electricity Industry (the Accord). The Accord is part of the Connected Women Project led by EHRC. The Accord is a commitment by employers, educators, unions and governments to strive for equal representation and inclusion within their organizations. Signing as an advocate, the OEA commits to provide awareness of the Accord and promote fairness and opportunity in the energy workforce for all Canadians.
“Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is the right thing to do for our employees, our partners and our communities,” says OEA Chair Cynthia Hansen, Executive Vice President, Utilities and Power Operations at Enbridge. “It’s also a competitive advantage for our businesses. Creating a work environment that welcomes the contributions of all employees and reflects the customers we serve means we foster collaboration and innovation that make our businesses even stronger.”
Official signatories of the Accord make a long-term commitment to strive to enhance gender diversity within their organizations. This includes an initial, confidential assessment of HR policies, processes and programs, as well as governance structure and overall culture. EHRC will help organizations to customize goals that fit their organization’s circumstance to optimize the benefits on increasing diversity. “We are so pleased to have the Ontario Energy Association sign the Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity. Advocates for the Accord are demonstrating their commitment to the values of gender diversity and inclusion in the sector, and promoting the premise that bold leadership is required to ensure equality and fairness for the entire workforce,” says Michelle Branigan, Chief Executive Officer of EHRC.
By educating OEA members and Canada’s energy community of the Accord, the OEA hopes to encourage on-going efforts to create open and safe work environments within the energy sector. “The Ontario Energy Association looks forward to working with EHRC to increase awareness of the Accord and promote adoption in the energy industry,” says Vince Brescia, President and Chief Executive Officer of the OEA. The OEA is also raising awareness of the benefits of gender diversity in the energy sector through its upcoming Women In Energy event on March 6th, 2018 in Toronto.
To learn more about the Accord click here.
About the OEA
The Ontario Energy Association (OEA) is the credible and trusted voice of the energy sector. We earn our reputation by being an integral and influential part of energy policy development and decision making in Ontario. We represent Ontario’s energy leaders that span the full diversity of the energy industry.
For more information:
Vince Brescia, President & CEO
Ontario Energy Association
416.961.8874
vince@energyontario.ca
Leanne Ryan, Marketing & Communications Associate
Ontario Energy Association
647.463.5244
leanne@energyontario.ca