Québec’s aerospace industry mobilizes to promote diversity and inclusion
Hundreds of participants from various sectors attend the Inclusive Organization of Tomorrow Forum
Montréal, March 8, 2019 – Aéro Montréal, Québec’s aerospace cluster, today held the Inclusive Organization of Tomorrow Forum in the presence of Jean Boulet, Québec’s Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie region. More than 300 participants from various sectors of Québec’s economy gathered at the Société des arts technologiques de Montréal to take part in this event, which offered a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity and inclusion within organizations.
“The strength of a skilled and diversified workforce is a powerful driver of performance and innovation which are essential for companies to continue to grow and excel on the international stage,” says Suzanne Benoît, President of Aéro Montréal. “Today's Forum was a unique opportunity for us to discuss together the best practices for promoting diversity and inclusion in tomorrow's organizations.”
“I am delighted to see the dynamism and the actions being taken by Aéro Montréal to meet challenges related to workforce scarcity and skills development,” says Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie region. “To face the new realities of the labour market, we need to rethink our ways of doing things to help increase company productivity while promoting workforce retention.”
Organized as part of International Women’s Day, this Forum provided an important platform for discussing the drivers, challenges and solutions for promoting the inclusion of all under-represented groups in companies and society. Speaker and Forum facilitator Kim Thuy, a renowned author, was part of a rich program bringing together executives from many major corporations, including Ahkwesáhsne Mohawk Board of Education, Airbus A220, Air Canada, Bombardier, CAE, Desjardins, EY Canada, GSoft, Hydro-Québec, Moment Factory, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Société de transport de Montréal, TOHU, Ubisoft Montréal and the University of Montréal.
What are the most effective strategies for attracting and retaining the best talent and supporting their development? How can we guide them in their professional advancement within companies? What role can leaders play in fostering an inclusive culture? Which communication strategies should be adopted? These are some of the issues that were examined during conferences, panels and discussions.
“We intend to share the solutions and practices proposed by participants during the Forum in order to support companies in the implementation of innovative diversity and inclusion programs,” notes Ms. Benoît.