4 Continued
“People are very enthusiastic when they learn about our groups,” says Snatenchuk. “Either they want to participate because they see one that’s a fit for them or they want to start their own. There’s a template on how to organize, build a mission and how people can become members. After that they’re more autonomous, although I participate in their meetings as much as I can to give more strategic vision around what’s going on organizationally in inclusion and how they can impact those activities.” Overall, Snatenchuk says, it’s been a good way to create awareness, break down barriers and address unconscious bias. But with 5,400 people spread out across Alberta, she says her biggest challenge is spreading the news that these groups exist and that they can be part of it. “We don’t want it to just be urban,” says Snatenchuk. “These groups are part of the fabric of ATB and an important part of our story in Alberta. It’s not just a nice-to-have but a must-have. People feel like they have more of a voice in the things that affect them.” Calgary-based concrete maker Lafarge Canada Inc. actively supports workforce diversity by partnering with community organizations to recruit individuals from all walks of life, including the Champions Career Centre for individuals with disabilities and Immigrant Services Calgary for new Canadians. Rebecca Curwen, Lafarge’s Talent Acquisition Manager, and Alex Lefebvre, Lafarge’s Talent Acquisition Coordinator, say that lately, they’ve been talking to a lot of people who are recently arrived in Canada. While language can be an issue, Curwen says the vast majority of newcomers who land in Alberta have strong communication skills in English. What matters is being qualified for the job. “We don’t see many barriers at all for those who have attained permanent residency status,” says
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
INTRODUCTION
ALBERTA’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2017
p Coordinator of the University of Calgary's Women's Resource Centre Nanako Furuyama (right) and
student Emily Leedham, President of the University's Consent Awareness & Sexual Education Club.