Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy

We’re excited to launch a new initiative, in collaboration with Electricity Human Resources Canada, aimed at enhancing human rights and safety for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in the Canadian energy sector. Despite the industry contributing 10.3% of Canada’s GDP and supporting over 697,000 jobs in 2023, talent shortages are forecasted across the sector with electricity alone needing 28,000 new workers by 2028.

Many 2SLGBTQIA+ employees experience discrimination, harassment, and safety concerns, often concealing their identities or leaving the sector altogether. To address this, the Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Canadian Energy project will work closely with both employees and employers to create resources that foster 2SLGBTQIA+ participation in the workplace, protect human rights, and retain skilled talent. This includes:

Creating an easy-to-follow best practices guide for the energy sector
Running training sessions and awareness programs for industry professionals
Offering customized consulting to help organizations make real changes
Keeping track of progress with regular check-ins and evaluations

Read our official announcement here.

Interested in taking part? Here’s how you can get involved:

We’re seeking partners for this project—whether you’re a company in the energy sector, a 2SLGBTQIA+ worker, a community stakeholder, or an energy expert. There are many ways to collaborate with us.

Companies and Organizations in the Energy Sector

We’re looking to work with energy producers, distributors, system operators, authorities, and other industry players.

Phase 1: Contribute to industry research for a best practices guide and toolkit
- Participate in a 1-hour interview with a leader in HR, DEI, Human Rights, Ethics, Health & Safety, or ERGs.
- Complete a short survey on workplace experiences.
Phase 2: Become a project partner
- Receive tailored training for managers, human resources, human rights professionals and organizational champions (in-person and/or virtual).
- Receive free consulting services to help implement best practices with a customized toolkit.
- Access tailored benchmarking tools to assess opportunities and track progress.

Reach out to our Energy Project Coordinator to get started!
Ting-Fai Yu at ting-fai.yu@prideatwork.ca

2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in the Energy Sector

We want to connect with technical professionals across the energy sector—from field and on-site workers to office and corporate employees. There are several ways to get involved and make your voice heard:

Contribute to industry research for a best practices guide and toolkit
- Provide a confidential 1-hour interview (in-person or virtual) with anonymous options available.
- Participate in a community focus group (in-person or virtual).

If you’re interested in participating, please fill out this survey.

Community Stakeholders & Energy Sector Experts

We’re seeking experts and organizations engaged with the energy sector, the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and other equity-deserving groups to collaborate in the following ways:

Contribute to industry research for a best practices guide and toolkit
- Provide a 1-hour interview with an expert or organizational leader.
- Help share the project with your community network.
Join as a community advisor to provide expert guidance at key project milestones

Reach out to our Energy Project Coordinator to get started!
Ting-Fai Yu at ting-fai.yu@prideatwork.ca

“Everyone deserves to work in a place where they feel safe, valued and free to be themselves. Through this investment in Pride at Work Canada, we’re breaking down barriers and building more inclusive workplaces in the electricity sector. When people can bring their full selves to work, they thrive and so do our industries and communities. Together, we’re taking action to end discrimination and create a future where everyone can live free from judgment, bias and hate.”

The Honourable Marci Ien

Former Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“The electricity sector is at a pivotal moment and addressing the critical workforce shortage requires supporting the full potential of all Canadians. We are proud to partner with Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada to advance inclusive workplaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals feel safe, respected and valued, empowering them to contribute their talents to the fullest.”

Michelle Branigan

CEO

EHRC

“Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada is excited to champion this innovative joint initiative because the electricity sector is a critical driver of Canada’s economy. As AI reshapes workplace processes and Canada’s Small Modular Reactor Action Plan transforms the energy landscape, the industry’s workforce needs are evolving rapidly. To build a strong talent pipeline for this industry while enhancing safety and efficiency, we must deeply understand electricity employers and their business challenges. That’s why engagement with employers about their needs will be crucial.”

Colin Druhan

Executive Director

Pride at Work Canada

“Employers want to foster safe environments, but because gender identity and gender expression are comparatively newer grounds in human rights law, they don’t always have the knowledge or tools to uphold these rights effectively. With the invaluable support of EHRC, we have a powerful partner to help us foster meaningful change and build a sector that’s safer for everyone to work in.”

Colin Druhan

Executive Director

Pride at Work Canada

“At Hydro-Québec, we celebrate diversity and the richness it brings us, and we aspire to reflect the diverse society to which we belong. We recognize that the workforce will be a key issue in the electricity sector in the coming years, and we want to attract the best talent. We are very pleased to see organizations working in the energy sector joining forces with associations like Pride at Work to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion and inclusive work environments. Congratulations on this wonderful initiative!”

Mathieu Johnson

Senior Vice President — Wind Power, R&D and Energy Trading

Hydro-Quebec

“On both a personal and professional level, inclusivity is something that matters deeply to me. With a family member in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I understand the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels safe and valued. As Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer and executive sponsor of Pride@TC, an employee-led inclusion network, I’ve seen firsthand the power of authentic self-expression within the workplace. That’s why TC Energy proudly partners with Pride at Work Canada—their new joint initiative with Electricity Human Resources Canada is essential in tackling workforce shortages while fostering safer, more inclusive spaces for current and future 2SLGBTQIA+ employees.”

Dawn de Lima

EVP Corporate Services and Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer

TC Energy

“I can think of no better time to stand in solidarity with such an important project. At Nova Scotia Community College, we believe that inclusive workplaces are the foundation of a thriving and innovative workforce. The “Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy”; initiative is a crucial step toward ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can work in environments where they feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed. This project will not only strengthen the energy sector, but also drive meaningful change across industries by fostering equity, respect, and opportunity for all.”

Jill Provoe

Vice President, Equity and International

Nova Scotia Community College

Questions about the project?

Contact Ting-Fai Yu at ting-fai.yu@prideatwork.ca for more information.

Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy

Interested in taking part? Here’s how you can get involved:

Questions about the project?

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