At ATCO, we actively foster and uphold a workplace culture rooted in inclusion and the strength that comes from embracing diverse perspectives. For the second consecutive year, we hosted our annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Conference at Spruce Meadows.

Building on last year’s success, we have committed to making this an annual event that will continue to grow as an evolving space for DEI information-sharing, thought leadership and learning. 

Here are a few standout moments from the conference:

From the Chief Inclusion Officer’s Desk 

Vanessa Lewerentz, Chief Inclusion Officer for BMO Financial Group, and Charlene Theodore, Chief Inclusion Officer at McCarthy Tétrault, shared their passion, purpose and personal journeys that propelled them into leadership roles championing DEI at large organizations. 

Purpose Driven Leadership and the Gift of Thinking Differently

Katherine (Katie) Dudtschak, business leader, corporate director, advisor and community builder, and Dr. Julie Cafley, Executive Director of Catalyst Canada, drove engaging conversations about leading with purpose and empathy. Together, they explored the gift of thinking differently, emphasizing the profound impact it can have on life and leadership.

Influencing Culture Through Authenticity

David Simmonds, SVP & Global Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer at Great West Lifeco and Canada Life, shed light on the profound significance of authenticity within the workplace and creating an environment where people feel free and safe to show up in a way that is authentic to them.  

View from the Chair & CEO’s Office

Jad Shimaly, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Ernst & Young Canada, provided invaluable insights into how he implements and acknowledges the importance of DEI from his influential position.  

Inspirational Finale

Jully Black, Canadian R&B Artist, BIPOC & LGBTQ2S+ advocate, Assembly of First Nations honoree, news maker, captivated attendees with an inspiring performance that brought the transformative power of authenticity and vulnerability to life.

We are proud to lead important and necessary conversations at ATCO’s DEI Conference. As part of these conversations, we discussed what we have accomplished in the DEI space, and we’re determined to keep going. There’s still work to be done. We have established a dedicated team committed to advancing DEI at ATCO, and we continue to build momentum through employee-led initiatives and committees, education and training, recruitment and retention strategies, and internal policies. Through this work we hope to create an environment where everyone can achieve their full potential.

Visit People to learn more about ATCO's commitment to DEI.