EY Canada setting the standard in diversity and inclusion
EY Canada has been a Corporate Member through Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) since the program’s early days. A longstanding sponsor of CGLCC’s Black and White Gala and partner for the EY/CGLCC Pitch Competition, EY Canada has been active in the chamber’s ecosystem.
But is this corporation just trying to check off a box? We chatted with Lindsay Swanson (she/her), EY Canada’s Leader of ESG Services, Supplier Diversity and Inclusion, who told us all about how EY Canada is setting the standard.
EY has been a champion for inclusion since its inception 150 years ago. Its founder, Arthur Young, was hard of hearing and had vision loss, so since the beginning, the company has been committed to breaking glass ceilings and redefining what diversity means. EY has built several programs that celebrate individual differences, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, socioeconomic background, working and thinking styles and abilities.
“It’s not just lip service. We’re really focused on creating programming and opportunities that ultimately bring people together,” said Lindsay. “We’re seeing how corporate membership with organizations such as the CGLCC offers us an opportunity to demonstrate our values to the external market but also to our people, within the walls of EY. They’re able to see that alignment of values and the safe space EY creates for all.”
EY Canada’s supply chain is small due to the nature of its business, but it is powerful. Being a Corporate Partner is about more than taking advantage of the network of diverse suppliers. To them, it’s about using the size and power of the firm to be a leader in inclusion. So, Lindsay and her team create high impact programming and organize networking events to involve diverse suppliers and connect them with like-minded organizations and people.
“We want to do good things, provide value, and bring people together,” said Lindsay. “We are investing in relationships. I believe that is where we excel. We help diverse suppliers forge relationships within our network, and we create connections across our market by bringing people together. The simple act of investing in an event that brings diverse-owned businesses together with other members of our network creates connections. It’s those connections that give way to amazing things.”
EY Canada is a Big Four accounting firm that provides services in assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions, and tax. As a firm that offers several services to its clients, it knows how to make an organization run better. EY knows to be profitable, competitive and representative; it needs to be diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
“As a professional services organization that relies on the best talent to stay ahead, we need the smartest and most talented people. Those people are going to be from diverse communities,” said Lindsay.
McKinsey & Company research shows that companies with a diverse workforce are 35% more likely to experience greater financial returns than their non-diverse counterparts.
Lindsay also noted the value of inclusion in employee retention. Research from Perceptyx’s Center for Workforce Transformation shows that diverse workforces lead to a greater sense of belonging, which increases retention.
“Once you get the smartest people in the door, you need to give them a reason to stay and build their careers,” said Lindsay. “When your employees have a sense of pride for their workplace and when the organization has a sense of pride for its employees, I fully believe you are going to have stronger loyalty to your firm.”
And during a time when some large corporations are scaling back their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, EY remains committed to inclusion. Lindsay said becoming a Corporate Member through CGLCC should be a no-brainer for companies that want to invest in inclusive practices right now.
CGLCC Corporate Members have access to a network of 2SLGBTQI+ owned businesses, CGLCC Diverse Suppliers, who they can collaborate and network with.
“Do it because it’s the right thing to do and it gives you access to businesses that you might not have been aware of. It opens up a whole new network of not only the small- to medium-sized businesses but other corporate members as well.”
Working with CGLCC perfectly aligned with EYs values, showing their commitment to creating a more equitable working world and doing business differently.
CGLCC offers an array of certifications, programming, and events for Certified Suppliers and Corporate Partners including their annual Global Business Summit, OUT For Business, Export Readiness, and the Rainbow Registered Accreditation Program.
With offices across Canada, EY is connected to the 2SLGBTQI+ business community across the country, including here in Halifax.
Rainbow Registered businesses undergo a strict review to meet standards which ensure the business is 2SLGBTQI+ friendly. The program, created in partnership with CGLCC and Tourism HR Canada, works to ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel more welcomed and accepted.
The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a Rainbow Registered business, as it demonstrates our consistent commitment to creating inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
This nationally recognized, time-limited accreditation helps to gain public trust in your organization as an inclusive space and enhances internal culture by ensuring your workplace fosters values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To learn more about how your organization can do the same, learn how to become a Corporate Member today at:
