Over the years, there have been efforts to increase the representation and inclusion of Indigenous and equality-deserving candidates in governance. Initiatives such as the 50-30 Challenge, the BlackNorth Initiative, as well as those related to ESG address the advancement of these priority groups on Canadian boards and in senior management roles.
However, concerns exist over the slow pace of change. Organizations are not making the progress they have committed to undertaking, in large part because they do not know how.
There is also a perception that increasing diversity within organizations will naturally lead to equality and inclusion. Boards are struggling with understanding their governance roles and responsibilities to advance DEI and how to ensure DEI is integrated into the organization’s vision, mission, values and operations.