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Equity & Diversity Collaborative
Why do we need to do more?
Working towards equity and diversity in the workplace will help improve:
Collaborative
Gender equity and diversity have been increasing priorities for most companies over the past few decades. Research shows that greater gender balance and diversity drive better business results, more innovation and higher employee retention. A diverse workforce also has broader positive societal impacts by leading to economic growth.
The Equity & Diversity Collaborative is a consortium of healthcare and life sciences companies dedicated to driving gender equity and diversity.
Together, Collaborative members commit to taking an active role in defining strategies, measuring performance, creating change and inspiring others.
Labour Force Disparities
Indigenous Peoples are underrepresented in knowledge industries like the life sciences, and the representation of POC declines as they move past entry-level positions in companies.
The Gender Pay Gap
A 19% gender pay gap exists in Ontario in the Life Sciences.
Inclusive Growth
Gender and ethnically diverse organizations are 25% and 36% more likely to outperform on profitability.
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Mission:
Change.
To achieve a 50% gender-parity ratio and a 30% representation of other under-represented groups, including racialized persons, people living with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2+ community at all levels of organizations and on Canadian board(s).
2023
Thank you to our bold and committed life sciences leaders who are actively working towards addressing diversity and gender disparities in their organizations.
82%
of members surveyed reported receiving good or significant value from their participation
50%
of Collaborative members diversified recruitment channels and implemented new programs or metrics to improve representation
Collaborative members represent a total workforce of
5,000+
Employees
Cross-company learning and collaboration was identified as
Top
value driver
Six Collborative companies completed bias training for between
50-100%
of their workforce
Broadened
impact
and aligned efforts across the sector by establishing the Inclusive Life Sciences Collaboration
Insights
There is still a long way to go to achieve our goals. However, the EDC has made progress in accelerating and creating change in the member organizations and across the sector.
2023 Priorities
Continue building strategic operations to drive equity, diversity and inclusion
Improve inclusion, belonging and retention
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Member
& Tools.
Explore the following resources available including the equity and diversity strategic charter, sector profiles, support programs, incentives and more.
City of Mississauga
The City of Mississauga is the second-largest life sciences hub in Canada with, more than 470 life sciences companies employing over 25,000 people. The City is the only Canadian municipality to have a Life Sciences Cluster Strategy focused one stablishing it as a leading, world-class life sciences hub. Mississauga successfully achieves this goal through strong advocacy for the sector, promotional campaigns to increase awareness of the City’s strengths, and facilitation of connections that lead to better business opportunities and results for its companies.
Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) Canada Region
As part of the global nonprofit organization, HBA Canada was established in 2019 to elevate women into leadership positions and impact the future of healthcare in Canada. HBA Canada accomplishes its mission through strong business networks, education and leadership development and global recognition of outstanding individuals and companies.
