Defence Construction Canada (DCC) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) were recently named two of the federal ministry of labour’s 2019 Employment Equity Achievement Award winners.

The awards, which were announced on May 20 by Minister of Labour Filomena Tassi, recognize federally regulated private-sector employers and federal contractors for their outstanding achievements in employment equity and their commitment to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces.

"By identifying and removing employment barriers, employers are helping under-represented groups achieve success in the workplace and contribute meaningfully to Canada's economic growth,” said Tassi. “Our future prosperity depends on all Canadians being able to fully participate in today's workforce."

Both DCC and CMHC were recognized under the Sector Distinction category, which highlights employers who are inspirational role models in their sectors. These organizations demonstrate a strong commitment and achieving success in implementing employment equity in their own organization.

A release from the Ministry of Labour provides the following rationale for DCC’s inclusion among the 14 award winners:

“Defence Construction Canada has made a corporate commitment to diversity and inclusion that encompasses the whole organization. Employees from across the country have become involved in moving the organization beyond simply being home to members of the four designated employment equity groups to building as welcoming, respectful and inclusive a workplace as possible.”

The rational for CMHC’s inclusion is as follows:

“Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation believes that inclusion starts with a safe place to call home, which is why CMHC is removing all barriers to housing affordability. Its mission is to ensure that, by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home that they can afford and that meets their needs. CMHC is proud of its diverse workforce and truly believes that the diversity of thought that results from such richness is an asset to its business activities.”

The federal awards also recognize employment equity champions—executives or employer executive teams that have consistently championed employment equity within their organizations, and have made broader contributions to diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. Listed among those winners for 2019 are former DCC president and CEO James Paul and vice-president, finance and human resources Juliet Woodfield.