Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation in Tech

Canada’s technology sector depends on a diverse and skilled workforce. By increasing opportunities for women, Indigenous Peoples, internationally educated professionals, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups, the sector can help address labour shortages while driving innovation and growth. TECHNATION is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable tech workforce that reflects the diversity of Canada.

Women in Leadership

We are committed to advancing the representation of women across all areas of the technology sector. Through our Women in Leadership event series, we work with industry and government partners to elevate women leaders’ voices, sharing best practices and strategies that help women succeed and advance into leadership roles.

To learn more about our Women in Leadership initiatives, contact Denise Shortt at dshortt@technationcanada.ca.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At TECHNATION, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) touches everything we do. We’re committed to continuous learning and broadening our understanding of DEI, and ensuring we’re contributing to building a more equitable, inclusive Canadian tech sector. We do this by:

• Developing and delivering programs and initiatives for underrepresented groups in Canada’s tech sector
• Building a more diverse and representative board and staff
• Our commitment to the Government of Canada’s 50:30 Challenge
• Fostering an inclusive pipeline of talent by building pathways and creating opportunities for tomorrow’s workforce.

Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation

TECHNATION is helping lead the tech sector down the path toward Reconciliation. We are committed to addressing and raising awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action 92. Canada’s corporate sector has been called upon to apply the principles, norms, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) to its corporate policy and core operational values. To learn more about the Commission’s report, we invite you to visit their website.

Our goal is to set the example for Canada’s technology sector and to support our members on their own advancements toward Reconciliation.

TECHNATION’s response to Call to Action 92:

• TECHNATION is committed to building respectful relationships through authentic, meaningful engagement and consultation with Indigenous peoples, guided by Indigenous voices through committees, members, and consultations.
• TECHNATION uses its position and influence to support Indigenous-led initiatives and advocate for policies that advance digital equity and opportunities for Indigenous nations and communities.
• TECHNATION recognizes the invaluable contributions of Indigenous peoples and fosters a culture that values Indigenous perspectives, histories, and knowledge systems in support of reconciliation and inclusion.
• TECHNATION educates and provides paid training opportunities for its board, leadership, and staff on the history, rights, and issues facing Indigenous peoples.
• TECHNATION is committed to maintaining a board, leadership team, and staff that reflect Canada’s diverse population, including Indigenous representation.
• TECHNATION will expand its membership services to support its members with education on reconciliation, to increase industry participation.

Learn more about our DEI and Reconciliation programming: