Advocating for Equity: Modernizing the Employment Equity Act [In English]
2026-02-24 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
February 24 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. Ce webinaire aura lieu en français le 3 mars.
Employment equity has been a priority for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada for over 50 years. Despite this long term advocacy, 2SLGBTQIA+ workers remain excluded from the Employment Equity Act’s protections, leaving them underrepresented in data and equity initiatives, and facing persistent barriers such as wage gaps, precarious work, and higher unemployment.
In September 2025, 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations gathered for coordinated advocacy on Parliament Hill, meeting with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, sharing a clear and united message: equity in employment is not optional—and the time to act is now.
It’s time for the Employment Equity Act to explicitly include 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black communities as designated groups, and to include stronger intersectional, transparent, and accountable mechanisms that reflect today’s workplace realities.
Join us to learn about our proposed updates to the Act, our advocacy work, and how you can get involved!
Learning objectives:

Understand the gaps in the Employment Equity Act
Learn about recommendations for the modernization of the Act
Explore advocacy efforts and strategies

Target audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Pride at Work Canada’s partner organizations
Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders
HR & DEI Professionals

Panelists

Bilan Arte (she/her)
National Representative, Human Rights Department
Canadian Labour Congress

Bilan Arte is an award-winning activist and organizer with over fifteen years of experience in campaigns, leadership, and movement building. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Ottawa, and she is the National Representative for Human Rights at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Bilan is a Black, Muslim feminist who lives and works in the unceded and never-surrendered traditional territories of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe peoples.
In all aspects of her work, Bilan is fueled by her passion for social justice and equity.

Noah Inniss-Parchment (he/him)
Manager, Operations
LGBT YouthLine

Noah is a Black person of Jamaican descent and of trans experience born and raised on the traditional unceded unsurrendered lands of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people (Ottawa). He received his Bachelor of Social Work in 2014 from Carleton University, and has since worked and volunteered for various 2SLGBTQI+ organisations nationally, and within Ottawa and Toronto. Noah previously worked at YouthLine in 2017, and is excited to be back leading and supporting operations.

Facilitator

Quinn Blue (he/they)
Program & Engagement Coordinator

Quinn Blue is a professional in 2SLGBTQIA+ education and programming. Quinn spent over a decade working in the student movement, having held equity and inclusion-focused roles at the University of Ottawa and at Algonquin College. His formal education is in Women and Gender Studies and in Teaching Adult Learners. They’ve volunteered extensively with the Ten Oaks Project, which taught them about the incredible value of community building. Quinn is passionate about change-making and learning.

Accessibility

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

Advocating for Equity: Modernizing the Employment Equity Act [In French]
2026-03-03 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
March 3 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 PM EDT – this event is exclusive for employees of our Proud Partners and Community Partners. This webinar will also take place in English on February 24.
Employment equity has been a priority for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in Canada for over 50 years. Despite this long term advocacy, 2SLGBTQIA+ workers remain excluded from the Employment Equity Act’s protections, leaving them underrepresented in data and equity initiatives, and facing persistent barriers such as wage gaps, precarious work, and higher unemployment.
In September 2025, 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations gathered for coordinated advocacy on Parliament Hill, meeting with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, sharing a clear and united message: equity in employment is not optional—and the time to act is now.
It’s time for the Employment Equity Act to explicitly include 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black communities as designated groups, and to include stronger intersectional, transparent, and accountable mechanisms that reflect today’s workplace realities.
Join us to learn about our proposed updates to the Act, our advocacy work, and how you can get involved!
Learning objectives:

Understand the gaps in the Employment Equity Act
Learn about recommendations for the modernization of the Act
Explore advocacy efforts and strategies

Target audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ employees at Pride at Work Canada’s partner organizations
Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders
HR & DEI Professionals

Panelists

Bilan Arte (she/her)
National Representative, Human Rights Department
Canadian Labour Congress

Bilan Arte is an award-winning activist and organizer with over fifteen years of experience in campaigns, leadership, and movement building. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Ottawa, and she is the National Representative for Human Rights at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Bilan is a Black, Muslim feminist who lives and works in the unceded and never-surrendered traditional territories of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe peoples.
In all aspects of her work, Bilan is fueled by her passion for social justice and equity.

Alex Arseneau (he/him)
Alter Acadie NB

Alex Arseneau est directeur général d’Alter Acadie NB, le seul organisme de défense des droits 2SLGBTQIA+ francophone à l’est du Québec. Depuis son lancement en 2023, Alter Acadie NB s’est imposé comme un pilier du militantisme franco-queer au pays, notamment par son travail de plaidoyer et de revendication, ancré dans les réalités rurales, face à la montée de l’extrême droite et à l’intensification des attaques contre les droits queer.

Facilitator

Cynthia Eysseric (she/her)
Consulting Coordinator

Cynthia is a dedicated professional working at the intersection of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and sexuality education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a certificate in entrepreneurship and SME management from Université Laval, bringing a strategic and inclusive approach to her work. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ communities has led her to collaborate with several organizations, including the Réseau des lesbiennes du Québec (RLQ) and Club Sexu, where she serves as Vice President on the Board. She is also part of the team at Fierté au travail Canada, a national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Passionate about organizational inclusion, Cynthia began a graduate microprogram in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace at Université Laval in 2024. Her work aims to strengthen intersectionality within the spaces she engages in, reinforcing her commitment to creating more just and representative environments.

Accessibility

Spoken language: French – This webinar will also take place in English on February 24.
Automatic translation: French to English
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

Quebec Ambassador Meeting
2026-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Wednesday, March 18, 2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy: From the Office to the Field [In French]
2026-04-14 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
Tuesday, April 14 2026 1PM to 2:30PM ET – This webinar is taking place in English on March 17.
Canada’s energy sector is evolving, but for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, jobsites remain high-risk environments where harassment, hypermasculinity, and isolation are still seen as just part of the job. Based on the recent report “Empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ Workers in Energy,” published by Pride at Work Canada, this webinar offers concrete actions employers, unions, and community partners can take.
Over 90 minutes, we’ll begin with a brief presentation of key findings from the national qualitative study involving 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, business and people leaders, and community organizers. We’ll then move to a facilitated panel featuring experts, industry leaders, and community organizations, demonstrating how these findings can be put into practice, followed by an open Q&A.
Together, we’ll examine how homophobia and transphobia manifest on job sites, how office-focused DEI efforts often fail to reach field-based workers, and what is needed to rewire systems so that psychological and physical safety are seen as inseparable. We’ll also showcase promising practices: simple communication strategies, inclusive infrastructure, accountability mechanisms, and the roles of ERGs, mentorship, and leadership in fostering lasting change.
Format
90-minute webinar:

15 min – presentation of key research findings
45 min – panel discussion (3 speakers)
30 min – audience Q&A / group discussion

Key learning outcomes
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize common ways homophobia and transphobia appear in energy workplaces, and how these behaviours impact inclusion, safety, and retention.
Identify gaps between office-centric DEI initiatives and field-based work, and understand why closing these gaps is essential to genuine workplace inclusion.
Apply the guide’s recommendations for practical actions to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ safety and inclusion.

Panelists

Jennifer Petrela (she/her)
Executive Director, Mentorat Québec

Jennifer Petrela (she/her) is the executive director of Mentorat Québec and an expert in inclusive mentoring. Jennifer publishes articles, hosts events, and speaks publicly in French and English about the theory and practice of mentoring in different settings and sectors. She speaks regularly on the intersection of mentorship and equity, diversity and inclusion and has launched national and international partnerships to make inclusive mentoring more accessible to members of equity-deserving groups. A proud ally, in 2004 Jennifer advised Canada’s Queer Chamber of Commerce on Out For Business, the Chamber’s mentorship program for entrepreneurs. In 2003, she co-directed a study on women in STEM in Québec and collaborated on a book presenting the study’s recommendations. Jennifer volunteers regularly as a mentor and is herself a mentee in perpetual evolution.

Pasquale Lo Mascolo (he/him)
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor, Hydro-Québec

Pasquale Lo Mascolo is an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisor at Hydro-Québec. In this role, he helps design and implement organizational strategies aimed at strengthening equity, representation, and a sense of belonging within the organization. He draws on a diverse professional background in communications, marketing, and internal engagement, expertise that allows him to address EDI issues with a keen understanding of levers of influence, stakeholder engagement, and cultural transformation. Pasquale has been actively involved in advocating for the rights of LGBTQ+ communities for several years, notably as co-chair of the Conseil québécois LGBT and as a member of the communications and marketing committee for Pride at Work Canada. Guided by an intersectional approach and a deep sense of social justice, he works to build inclusive, humane, and bold workplaces where every person can feel recognized, respected, and valued.

Facilitator

Cynthia Eysseric (she/her)
Consulting Coordinator

Cynthia is a dedicated professional working at the intersection of feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and sexuality education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sexology from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a certificate in entrepreneurship and SME management from Université Laval, bringing a strategic and inclusive approach to her work. Her commitment to LGBTQ+ communities has led her to collaborate with several organizations, including the Réseau des lesbiennes du Québec (RLQ) and Club Sexu, where she serves as Vice President on the Board. She is also part of the team at Fierté au travail Canada, a national organization advocating for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion. Passionate about organizational inclusion, Cynthia began a graduate microprogram in equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace at Université Laval in 2024. Her work aims to strengthen intersectionality within the spaces she engages in, reinforcing her commitment to creating more just and representative environments.

Accesibility:

Spoken language: French – This webinar is taking place in English on March 17.
Automatic translation: French to English
Closed captioning provided: French and English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.

Calgary Ambassador Meeting
2026-05-06 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton)
Wednesday, May 6, 2025 | 3:00pm – 4:00pm MT | 5:00pm – 6:00pm ET
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Virtual ProPride 2026
2026-06-16 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
June 16, 2026 | 1:00PM – 3:00 PM ET
Virtual ProPride: Building Queer Futures is a two-hour interactive gathering that brings together Two-Spirit, Queer, and Trans leaders, alongside committed allies, to explore how we build workplaces and communities where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can thrive, lead, and shape the future.
Through a dynamic blend of thought leadership and peer-to-peer dialogue, this virtual experience centers joy, resilience, accountability, and systems change. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, wellbeing, allyship, and collective impact , leaving with practical tools, renewed energy, and stronger connections across sectors and regions.
Whether you are a 2SLGBTQIA+ leader or an ally committed to advancing equity, Virtual ProPride offers a space to reflect, connect, and move from intention to lasting impact.
Agenda

1:00PM – 2:30 PM Panel
2:30PM – 3:00 PM Virtual Networking

Learning Goals:

Examine the role of leadership, allyship, and community in advancing equitable workplaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can thrive and lead.
Identify practical approaches for supporting wellbeing, accountability, and inclusion within workplace and community settings.
Strengthen cross-sector connections and collaborative strategies that contribute to long-term systems change for 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Speakers:

Debbie Owusu-Akyeeah

Debbie is the former Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. Before joining Action Canada, she was the Executive Director of The Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity (CCGSD) and has been instrumental in advancing the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ youth and communities.
She has spoken at Parliamentary and Senate standing committees and has appeared in numerous media outlets. She has held several advocacy and policy-oriented positions in government and non-profit organizations, including Oxfam Canada and Global Affairs Canada.
Debbie is an accomplished community educator, feminist activist, and social justice advocate driven by the mission of creating a more inclusive, equitable, and safe world. She has continued to dedicate her time to local progressive organizing, including, most recently, as a commissioner for the Ottawa People’s Commission on the Convoy Occupation.

Kate Wood

Kate (she/her) is a proudly AuDHD trans woman working at Info-Tech Research Group in the London, Ontario office on Treaty 6 lands. She holds the position of AVP Research Development, sits on the corporate DEI Committee, co-leads the Pride ERG, and is a strong advocate for neurodivergent and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. An active member of London’s trans* community, Kate has done volunteer work for the local PFLAG branch and has spoken at Transgender Day of Remembrance. Kate holds a master’s degree in cyber security from the University of Essex.

Kathleen Sawdo

Kathleen Sawdo is an Anishinaabe Kwe from the Bear Clan and a proud member of Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation in Treaty 3 Territory. With over 20 years of experience in human resources and business administration, Kathleen brings not only deep professional expertise, but also a strong commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems, leadership, and talent development.
Her relationship with Indigenous Works (formerly AHRC) began in 2009 when she was selected to participate in the National Inclusion Works Recruitment Fair and Leadership Skill Build. Since then, she has remained connected through roles as a webinar trainer and HR expert for Luminary’s innovation and research projects. Today, Kathleen continues to support the growth of inclusive, values-based workplaces through her leadership and mentorship.
Kathleen holds multiple professional designations, including Tribal Human Resources Professional (THRP), Canadian Indigenous Human Resources Professional (CIHRP), and is a registered HR Practitioner with the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA). Guided by a two-eyed seeing approach, she weaves together Indigenous and Western perspectives to build workplace cultures grounded in respect, relationship, and reciprocity.
Kathleen sees human resources not just as a function—but as the heartbeat of an organization. She invites others to walk alongside her in reimagining human resources as a relational and inclusive space—one where Indigenous voices are amplified, and Indigenous ways of knowing and being are not only respected but deeply integrated.
Beyond her professional life, Kathleen is a beadworker, artist and designer who values family, community, and cultural expression. Whether in the boardroom or around the kitchen table, she believes inclusion begins with genuine connection—and she welcomes you to walk with her—and with Indigenous Works—on this shared journey of inclusion, where meaningful partnerships, cultural understanding, and Indigenous-led solutions create pathways to shared prosperity and lasting impact

Trina Prince

Mx Trina Prince (they/them) is a trans, non-binary, fat, disabled, neurodivergent, white person, who currently lives on the shared traditional territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), S’ólh Téméxw (Stó:lō), Qayqayt, and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ təməxʷ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples also known as Coquitlam, BC, Canada. Trina is honoured to be the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in the Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities, the current Board Chair for Mabel League, Canada’s largest queer and trans softball league, and the Past Board Chair for Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre. Most importantly, Trina is a very proud Entie to their 10 niblings. Trina absolutely loves orcas, dragons, Star Wars, LEGO, Titanic facts, softball, dancing, and escape rooms. Trina loves sharing in laughter and joy with those around them and is excited to share space with others.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Automatic translation: English to French
Closed captioning provided: English and French
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
Registration for this event has closed.
ProPrides 2026 Series Includes:

Winnipeg ProPride – May 26, 2026
Virtual ProPride – June 16, 2026
Vancouver ProPride – July 14, 2026
Montreal ProPride – August 5, 2026
[TBC] Ottawa ProPride – September, 2026

Check back soon for more details about the speakers, agenda, and how to register.

Ontario Ambassador Meeting
2026-07-09 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm ET
The Ambassador Program operates as a series of regional groups made up of representatives from our Proud Partner network who share best practices and strategies for creating 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming work environments.
To learn more about the program and join, visit https://prideatwork.ca/programs/ambassador-program/

Vancouver ProPride 2026
2026-07-14 16:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Vancouver Centre II, 733 Seymour St (29th Floor), Vancouver, BC, V6B 0S6, Canada
July 14, 2026 | 4:00PM – 8:30 PM PT
Join Pride at Work Canada for an engaging evening of networking and connection, dedicated to advancing 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and fostering inclusive workplaces. This event brings together professionals, community members, and job seekers from diverse industries to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships.
Building Queer Futures is Pride at Work Canada’s 2026 ProPride series, focused on helping organizations and individuals move from intention to long-term impact. At a time of rapid social, political, and workplace change, this series asks a critical question: what does it take to build workplaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can not only belong today, but shape the future?
Agenda

4:00PM – 5:00PM Panel: Building Queer Futures Beyond the Binary
5:30PM – 8:30PM Reception

Sponsors
Host Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Panel: Building Queer Futures Beyond the Binary
Breaking down binaries is essential to building workplaces where everyone can thrive. Held in recognition of Non-Binary People’s Day, this panel invites participants to imagine queer, trans, and non-binary futures in the workplace while exploring practical strategies to help bring them to life. At a time when trans and non-binary rights are increasingly politicized, employers have an important role to play in upholding human rights and fostering inclusive cultures. Centering trans and non-binary leadership, joy, and lived experience, this conversation will explore how workplace policies, leadership practices, and organizational culture can move beyond binary assumptions to support people of all genders and gender expressions.
Learning Goals:

Recognize the importance of gender diversity and inclusion in creating equitable workplaces
Understand the importance of human rights protections and strategies to uphold them
Identify practical strategies to build towards gender inclusive workplaces

Audience:

2SLGBTQIA+ community members
HR & DEI Professionals
ERG Leaders
Allies interested in supporting gender diversity and inclusion

Panelists

Alex Ash (they/them)
Programs and Engagement Manager, QMUNITY

Alex Ash (they/them) is a passionate advocate for community, grassroots movements for change, building connections, and the power of learning. They have a background in education, coaching, facilitation and non-profit leadership. Alex is actively working to cultivate and support collaborative networks through knowledge sharing and capacity building, in order to create new systems of care and imagine futures for queer and trans folks. They hold a post graduate teaching certificate and post graduate diploma in Justice Studies and are the former Executive Director of Chroma NB, a 2SLGBTIQIA+ community organization serving New Brunswick. They are currently the Programs and Engagement Manager at QMUNITY: BC’s Queer, Trans and 2-Spirit resource Centre.

Iyol Martínez (they/them)
EDI Coordinator, TransLink

Iyol Martínez (they,them) is a non-binary migrant settler originally from tenochtitlan, currently living in the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, səlilwətaɬ and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Nations. For the past five years, they have been working in the field of equity, diversity, inclusion and community health leadership. They currently work as the EDI Coordinator in the People & Culture team at TransLink. Iyol holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice from UBC and Sciences Po Paris. They are currently completing their Canadian Human Resources Management Certificate from Simon Fraser University.

Trystan Anderson (they/them)
Inclusive Hiring Facilitator, UBC

As an Inclusive Hiring Facilitator at The University of British Columbia (UBC/UBCO), Trystan is dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization (EDID) within UBC’s talent acquisition and retention strategies. With over a decade of experience in recruitment, hospitality, brand marketing, training, and talent development, they are passionate about fostering inclusive and respectful workplaces where everyone can thrive.
In addition to their current role, they are a mindfulness advocate and youth mentor, holding a 500-hour yoga teacher training certification. They also volunteer on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee of Ten Thousand Coffees. They believe that mindfulness and wellness are crucial for both personal and professional growth, and they enjoy leading workshops, conferences, and community events that promote these values.

Special Guest

Charline Labonté (she/her)
Olympic Gold Medalist
Player Development Consultant, Vancouver Goldeneyes

Charline Labonté is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the most accomplished goaltenders in women’s hockey history. A longtime member of Team Canada, she helped lead the national team to multiple Olympic and World Championship titles. Labonté was also one of the first high-profile athletes in Canadian hockey to publicly come out as LGBTQ+, becoming an important advocate for inclusion and visibility in sport. In 2025, she joined the Vancouver Goldeneyes’ hockey operations staff as Player Development Consultant, bringing her elite experience, leadership, and passion for player development to the organization.

Registration and Pricing
Tickets are now available on Eventbrite, register today!
Panel and Reception

Member ticket price (Proud Partners and Community Partners): $100 + taxes**
Non-member ticket price: $150 + taxes**

Networking Reception

Member ticket price (Proud Partners and Community Partners): $20 + taxes**
Non-member ticket price: $40 + taxes**

** Your registration helps make events like this possible. It supports the creation of spaces for learning, networking, and meaningful conversations in communities across the country, while helping us ensure that seats are reserved for those who plan to attend. We remain committed to accessibility and do not want cost to be a barrier to participation. If the registration fee presents a financial challenge, please contact us to discuss available options.
Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Venue Accessibility:
Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

ProPrides 2026 Series Includes:

Winnipeg ProPride – May 26, 2026
Virtual ProPride – June 16, 2026
Vancouver ProPride – July 14, 2026
Montreal ProPride – August 5, 2026
[TBC] Ottawa ProPride – September, 2026

Check back soon for more details about the speakers, agenda, and how to register.

Montreal ProPride 2026
2026-08-05 16:30 - 21:30 (America/Toronto)
August 5, 2026 | 4:30PM – 9:30 PM ET
Join us on August 5 for a vibrant evening of connection, celebration, and community hosted by Pride at Work Canada, in the heart of Tio’tia:ke/Montreal. Montreal ProPride is all about bringing together folks who are committed to safeguarding and uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights in their workplaces and beyond.
Whether you’re a professional, job seeker, community advocate, or ally, this is a space to meet others who share your values, exchange experiences and build relationships rooted in community and connection.
Together, we will highlight the work being done to create safer, more accessible spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities across all sectors.
Come ready to connect, be inspired, and celebrate how much we can achieve when we lead with purpose and solidarity.
Agenda

4:00–5:00 PM – Learning Session with Pascale St-Onge presented by Desjardins
Location: Tudor Room – Holt Renfrew
15:30–8:30 PM – Cocktail Reception presented by the LGBT Purge Fund
Location: Tudor Room – Holt Renfrew

Sponsors
PRESENTING PARTNER

SPONSOR

IN COLLABORATION WITH

HOST SPONSOR

Tudor Room (5th Floor)
1307 Sainte-Catherine St. West
Montreal, Quebec
H3G 1P7

Learning Session: Leadership, Culture and Sustainable Change
In order to build workplaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ people can truly thrive, we need to understand how leadership shapes different sectors of our society. This exclusive interview will offer a unique opportunity to speak with a pioneering former federal minister about her journey, the lessons she has learned, and her perspective on leadership. At a time of significant social and political challenges, leaders play a critical role in promoting inclusion, defending human rights and showing up authentically.
Combining insights from the worlds of politics, sports, and other sectors of influence, this session will allow us to delve into how workplace culture and leadership can drive meaningful change. Drawing on lessons learned from an outstanding career, we will explore how organizations can transform their practices, unlock new potential and embed equity in a sustainable way.
Learning Objectives:

Discover practical ways to transform workplace culture and leadership within your organization.
Draw inspiration from authentic leadership strategies to navigate complex situations.

Pascale St-Onge (she/her)
Executive Advisor, TACT

Pascale St-Onge is a respected strategist in government relations, communications, and complex stakeholder management. A former federal cabinet minister, she held several senior leadership roles, including Minister of Sport, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, where she led major reforms and managed high-profile files.
Before entering politics, she served as President of the National Federation of Communications and Culture (FNCC-CSN), leading influential advocacy efforts in support of journalism, media, and the cultural sector.
Known for her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders and build lasting coalitions, she offers valuable insights on leadership, governance, and organizational change.
With academic training in literature and journalism, Pascale St-Onge is a sought-after voice on the issues shaping institutions, workplaces, and public life.

Registration and Pricing:
Register today for this in person event.
Learning Session and Cocktail Reception**

Member tickets (Proud Partners and Community Partners): $80 (+ taxes)
Non-member tickets: $120 (+ taxes)

Cocktail Reception**

Member tickets (Proud Partners and Community Partners): $20 (+ taxes)
Non-member tickets: $40 (+ taxes)

** Your registration helps make events like this possible. It supports the creation of spaces for learning, networking, and meaningful conversations in communities across the country, while helping us ensure that seats are reserved for those who plan to attend. We remain committed to accessibility and do not want cost to be a barrier to participation. If the registration fee presents a financial challenge, please contact us to discuss available options.
Accessibility:

Spoken language: English

Please register additional accessibility requests on sign-up. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca.

Webinar: FLOURISH Information Session – August
2026-08-11 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
FLOURISH 2026 is a leadership development program designed to support employee resource group (ERG) leaders and 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals in building practical skills, strengthening peer networks, and creating meaningful workplace impact.

Leading Through Change: Human Rights, Measurement & Impact for ERG Leaders
Telling the Story/Impact of Your ERG
From Policy to Practice – Living Our Rights, Honouring Our Identities
Principles of Peer Support

Through live Zoom sessions, virtual learning modules and self-directed work, our FLOURISH program will collectively unlock their potential as ERG leaders.
Interested in learning more? Sign up to this information session!
Key Learning Objectives:

Provide an overview of the FLOURISH 2026 program structure and timeline
Highlight the importance and impact of 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG leadership in Canadian workplaces
Explain the types of learning experiences and activities participants can expect
Answer questions and provide clarity on eligibility, registration, and support

Audience:

This event is for anyone interested in knowing more about the FLOURISH 2026 program

About the Speaker:

Templeton Sawyer (he/him)
Leadership Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada

Templeton Sawyer leads Pride at Work Canada’s national leadership programs, designing curriculum to develop the next generation of Two-Spirit, queer, and trans leaders. He brings a strong background in advocacy, with a focus on immigration, homelessness, employment, and economic empowerment. Through his work, Templeton is committed to creating pathways for equity-deserving communities to access opportunities, build confidence, and thrive in their careers and communities.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Closed captioning provided: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca

First Name *
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Email Address *
Repeat your email *
Employer/Organization *
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City - Province *
Accessibility for this eventN/A
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Accessibility (others or details)
Would you like to be added to the Pride at Work Canada distribution list? * Yes
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Already on

Webinar: FLOURISH Information Session
2026-09-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto)
FLOURISH 2026 is a leadership development program designed to support employee resource group (ERG) leaders and 2SLGBTQIA+ professionals in building practical skills, strengthening peer networks, and creating meaningful workplace impact.

Leading Through Change: Human Rights, Measurement & Impact for ERG Leaders
Telling the Story/Impact of Your ERG
From Policy to Practice – Living Our Rights, Honouring Our Identities
Principles of Peer Support

Through live Zoom sessions, virtual learning modules and self-directed work, our FLOURISH program will collectively unlock their potential as ERG leaders.
Interested in learning more? Sign up to this information session!
Key Learning Objectives:

Provide an overview of the FLOURISH 2026 program structure and timeline
Highlight the importance and impact of 2SLGBTQIA+ ERG leadership in Canadian workplaces
Explain the types of learning experiences and activities participants can expect
Answer questions and provide clarity on eligibility, registration, and support

Audience:

This event is for anyone interested in knowing more about the FLOURISH 2026 program

About the Speaker:

Templeton Sawyer (he/him)
Leadership Programs Coordinator, Pride at Work Canada

Templeton Sawyer leads Pride at Work Canada’s national leadership programs, designing curriculum to develop the next generation of Two-Spirit, queer, and trans leaders. He brings a strong background in advocacy, with a focus on immigration, homelessness, employment, and economic empowerment. Through his work, Templeton is committed to creating pathways for equity-deserving communities to access opportunities, build confidence, and thrive in their careers and communities.

Accessibility:

Spoken language: English
Closed captioning provided: English
Format: Virtual (Zoom in webinar mode)
Engagement type: participants invited to engage via chat (no audio or video)

Please register below additional accessibility requests. Any questions may be sent to events@prideatwork.ca
