27Feb

Board Chair Katia Aubin speaks with CBC Montreal During Winter Pride 2025

February 27, 2025 editor 43

In advance of Winter Pride 2025, Board Chair Katia Aubin spoke with CBC Montreal’s Douglas Gelevan about the growing concerns among queer and trans communities in response to the rollback of DEI programs in the U.S. She also highlights how Pride at Work Canada is reframing the conversation, shifting focus to a broader human rights narrative. Watch the interview below. Read Pride at Work Canada’s “Our Communities Are in Crisis” statement here: https://prideatwork.ca/crisis/

05Nov

The Power of Pronouns

November 5, 2024 editor 64

In a world where trans and non-binary rights are under constant scrutiny and there is a rise in anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate, it is essential for employers to actively advocate for and take concrete action in allyship. Understanding and using pronouns correctly is a crucial step in this advocacy, as it plays a fundamental role in respecting and affirming each individual’s gender identity and gender expression. Pronouns, such as “he,” “she,” “they,” and many more, go beyond grammar; they are deeply intertwined with personal identity and expression. In Canada, both gender identity and gender expression are protected grounds under the Canadian Human...

18Sep

Sparking Inspiration and Impactful Change

September 18, 2024 editor 77

Last April, Pride at Work Canada hosted the second edition of SPARK, our half-day symposium for shared learning, networking, and innovation about Diversity, Equity and 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion. This year, we brought together senior executives, DEI leaders and HR/ Talent Acquisition professionals to exchange experiences and expertise on topics that elevate DEI strategies to tangible levels and to spotlight the untapped talent found in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Hosted in Toronto, the SPARK 2024 theme was “Elevating Talent Acquisition for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community”. Two-Spirit, queer and trans people continue to face challenges in finding jobs and advancing their careers despite advancements made in...

17May

CHANGEMAKERS’ official announcement

May 17, 2024 editor 114

Earlier this year, Pride at Work Canada launched a call for nominations for a program looking to recognize excellence in 2SLGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion as part of its 15th-anniversary celebrations. CHANGEMAKERS is our way of spotlighting and appreciating 15 people, across Canada, who are championing Two-Spirit, queer and trans inclusion in the corporate, public service, and non-profit sectors. Today we are proud to announce the 15 individuals whose contributions have helped to create a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape.CHANGEMAKERS’ official announcement was planned to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) to emphasize the significance of...

08Mar

Queer and Trans Women’s Leadership

March 8, 2024 editor 128

Gender equality has been a topic addressed by women for centuries, and many organized movements have promoted discussions to advance equity and inclusion of women in decision-making levels. This year, the UN Women’s campaign ’Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress’ focuses on leadership, equality and opportunities for women. Pride at Work Canada is committed to creating and promoting workplaces that celebrate all employees regardless of gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Our programming and resources are designed to elevate gender equity and address intersectional issues. Queer and trans women leaders are trailblazing in a world filled with sexism, homophobia, and...

20Feb

The UCP’s Proposed Policies on Gender Work Against Alberta’s Interests

February 20, 2024 editor 128

Moraine Lake in Banff, Alberta. Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash. Alberta is a beautiful province that is full of opportunity. It’s a place where Two-Spirit, queer and trans people and organizations succeed and thrive. But the community’s resolve is currently being tested by Alberta’s UCP Government, which has proposed a suite of policies that threaten health and safety in the province. If one sees 2SLGBTQIA+ communities as distinct and separate from the rest of society, then it’s easy to believe these regressive policies only impact a small group of Albertans. However, they also have implications for the broader population: They won’t...

12Feb

Why be first when you could be last?

February 12, 2024 editor 119

Folks from our communities tend to be honoured for being the first to do something. Like Glenn Murray, the first openly gay mayor in Canada, or the many elusive suspects who may (or may not) have thrown the first “brick” at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. However, when I talk to people who make big changes in Canadian workplaces, they’re not usually the first people to do something. They’re the last.They’re often the last employee… … who has to work without the support of an ERG. … who has to transition without support from HR. … to be...

07Feb

Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership

February 7, 2024 editor 121

Last week, Loblaw Companies Limited announced their Community Investment Grant Recipients. Alongside other four social equity organizations (Black Business and Professional Association, Canadian Women’s Foundation, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business), Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada will receive $50,000 a year for four years starting in 2024 to support our 2SLGBTQIA+ Leadership Development Programs. All grant recipients were selected with input from volunteers at each of Loblaw’s four DEI-related employee resource groups (ERGs), and we have been working closely with their Proud ERG to advance opportunities for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. When we started our...

15Jan

Recognizing 2SLGBTQIA+ Champions

January 15, 2024 editor 111

It is time to celebrate Two-Spirit, queer and trans people for their contributions to 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace and beyond and how they have made a significant impact in our communities across Canada.Pride at Work Canada’s CHANGEMAKERS multimedia digital campaign will recognize 15 people championing 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion in the corporate, public service, and non-profit sectors across Canada as part of our 15th Anniversary. Our one-time CHANGEMAKERS appreciation program marks this milestone celebration, and each selected individual will be part of a campaign featuring their profile, amplifying their voices and spotlighting their crucial contributions to a more inclusive and diverse...

21Dec

LGBTQI+ and Allied Civil Society Statement – Global Refugee Forum

December 21, 2023 editor 115

Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada joined the collective voices of +75 civil society groups calling on states to create more dedicated pathways and programs to help LGBTQI+ people who are at risk of persecution, including humanitarian and development funding and resettlement pathways. This initiative is led by Rainbow Railroad and happened at the Global Refugee Forum 2023, which took place from December 13 – 15, 2023, in Geneva, Switzerland. Rainbow Railroad and the +75 civil society organizations invite you to amplify our collective statement by sharing it across your social media platforms and network. Read the full letter below or visit...

19Dec

Our whole world is full of possibilities!

December 19, 2023 editor 108

Friends, looking back at 2023’s headlines you can see it’s been a difficult year. The support our community has come to count on from corporations is waning. Coordinated and resourced actors are advancing their efforts to segregate us from society. Sometimes it feels like our movement has lost ground that it will be impossible to win back. But those are the headlines. The milestones celebrated by my 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues this year tell different stories. One became married to her longtime partner, something that was impossible in Canada as recently as 2005. One became an adoptive parent with his husband, which...

17Nov

Celebrating gender identities with Chris Bergeron

November 17, 2023 editor 128

Last week, Chris Bergeron, Vice President of Inclusive Creativity at Cossette, gave this beautiful and emotional speech at the Musée de la civilisation, during an event organized as part of the exhibition “Love Me Gender,” presented by TD. With this exhibition, the Musée seeks to play a role in these important discussions by demystifying and celebrating the plurality of gender identities. Bergeron explored how the shadows covering our shining queer and trans communities are impacting the way we recognize ourselves in the world. We look at places and see that they have been taken from us, while we end up...

14Nov

Trans Awareness Week 2023

November 14, 2023 editor 124

Trans communities are a vital part of the 2SLGTBQIA+ movement, and they have been the main target of the violence perpetrated against us. While we have observance dates to celebrate, commemorate and give more visibility to queer and trans people, we also have dates to create awareness and honour the lives lost to transphobic and systemic violence. Transgender Awareness Week (TWA) builds the momentum for Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) on November 20, honouring the lost lives of trans people. TDoR started with Gwendolyn Ann Smith to mourn the loss of Rita Hester, a Black trans woman killed in her...

28Sep

Navigating the anti-2SLGBTQIA+ wave

September 28, 2023 editor 121

Pride at Work Canada was founded in 2008 to promote more inclusive workplaces for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Over the years, this organization has witnessed several positive changes for the people we serve, including labour rights, the ban on conversion therapy and changes in the blood donation eligibility criteria. At the same time, we have never let our guard down in the continuous fight against discrimination and ignorance as they continue to exist. The organization understands the importance of educating people on topics to promote a more inclusive and peaceful society. In recent years, we have engaged and advised...

28Jun

Addressing Discriminatory Ugandan Law

June 28, 2023 editor 160

On June 15, Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada joined the collective voices of 170 civil society groups from around the world to send a letter to The World Bank President, Ajay Banga, calling on him to lead specific, concrete, and timely actions in response to Uganda’s Abhorrent Anti-Homosexuality Law 2023 that is in force and leaving in its wake devastating consequences. Read the full letter below or download it using the link. Urgent World Bank Action Should Address Discriminatory Ugandan Law 170 Groups Call on the New World Bank President to Defend the Importance of Inclusive Economic Development (Kampala/New York, June...

10Jul

La Fierté au travail : un sujet toujours d’actualité

July 10, 2018 editor 100

Écrit par David Tremblay Nous passons tous de longues heures derrière notre bureau; le lieu de travail est une deuxième demeure où l’on côtoie collègues, patrons et parfois, nos clients. Afin de briller à sa juste valeur, il est important de s’y sentir à l’aise et respecter sans condition. Encore en 2018, bien que les mentalités évoluent à vitesse Grand V, beaucoup de travail reste à faire. Avec notre rapport Hiring Across All Spectrums sorti plus tôt cette année, nous souhaitons mettre en lumière la réalité au travail de la communauté LGBTQ2+ qui n’est pas nécessairement connue de tous. ...

29Nov

Yesterday and Today: A response to Justin Trudeau’s Apology to LGBTQ2 Communities

November 29, 2017 editor 93

On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized on behalf of the Government of Canada to LGBTQ2 (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and, two-spirit) communities across the country. He apologized for decades of discrimination, active and passive, a milestone for community members who have endured countless injustices from institutions meant to protect them. The Prime Minister’s apology recognized the intentional and systemic oppression many LGBTQ2 community members faced at the hands of the Canadian government, acknowledging that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia have been built into the structures that this nation was formed on. Importantly, the Prime Minister noted...

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