WBE Canada Magazine - Summer 2022

Issue 6 | Summer 2022

KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT REVAMP CAN CREATE GREATER ACCESS FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR CANADIAN WBES

IS YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE? Is Your Organization...

READY

INTERESTED

EAGER

to include Canadian Women Business Enterprises in its supply chain?

in developing your own supplier diversity program in the upcoming 12 months?

to benefit from resources and support to streamline and shorten the implementation process?

Inclusion of women-owned businesses in your supply chain is a smart business choice!

Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) EARN LESS THAN HALF the revenue of comparable male-owned businesses.

OPEN your procurement opportunities for Canadian WBEs and be part of the solution

BECOME A MEMBER

Message from the President Summer is (almost) here!

It is my absolute pleasure to bring you this magazine issue filled with inspiring stories, exciting commitments and actionable strategies. With the ongoing pandemic challenges, ongoing war in Ukraine and surging inflation, supply chains and supplier diversity continue to be part of conversations across Canada and internationally and rightfully so.

And as always, let us know if you have an exciting update or inspiring story - simply send your submission to marketing@wbecanada.ca and you might be featured in the next issue of the Magazine!

I am grateful for all champions stepping up their commitment to supporting Canadian Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) and I am thrilled to see so many WBEs bringing innovative solutions.

My personal thank you to all contributors for exciting tips, strategies and stories. I invite you to read about the exciting things happening in our WBE Community.

Have a fabulous summer!

SILVIA PENCAK President & CEO, WBE Canada

The Best-In-Class Supplier Diversity Technology.

Take your Supplier Diversity Program to the Next Level!

WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Data Services Start Your Journey Today!

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

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IN THIS ISSUE Summer 2022 Writers & Editors

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

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WBE STORIES: Heading for Success

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DON'T TRY TO BE A PROBLEM SOLVING HERO

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Judy Carswell, Silvia Pencak

Contributing Writers

BMO, Bonita Craig, Cassandra Dorrington, Carolyn Stern, Catherine Beach, Charmaine Hammond, Darrel Schuurman, Deidre Guy, Edet Umoafia, Karen Danudjaja, Lisa Myre, Lise Lapointe, Maria Gagliano, Maryse Benhoff, Pamela Shainhouse, PSPC, Rory Richards, Saawan Logan, Staples Promotional Products, Sudha Sankar, Turner Construction

Designers

Grassick Graphic Communications www.GrassickGraphic.com WBE Canada Contact Details Magazine contact - marketing@wbecanada.ca Member submissions - membership@ wbecanada.ca WBE submissions - community@wbecanada.ca Partner submissions - partner@wbecanada.ca ©️ WBE Canada, Summer 2022 https://wbecanada.ca

The WBE Canada Magazine is a quarterly magazine designed to connect our communities, empower Canadian women entrepreneurs and inspire Canada’s corporate and government organizations in their supplier diversity initiatives.

To subscribe to the WBE Canada Magazine, click here.

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WBE CANADA AND RBC PARTNER TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL EDUCATION TO CANADIAN WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES DID YOU KNOW? Important Updates & Opportunities PROCUREMENT REVAMP CAN CREATE GREATER ACCESS FOR HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION: The Keys to Success in the Public Sector CREATING A PATH AND FINDING SUCCESS IN A MALE DOMINATED FIELD FOCUS: Changing the Landscape for Women Entrepreneurs

WBE STORIES: HEADING FOR SUCCESS Canadian Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) are creative, innovative and incredibly inspiring.

Meet some of our WBEs and have a sneak peek into their latest updates and initiatives. We hope that their stories inspire you to take bold action during these summer months.

CHARMAINE HAMMOND

President, Hammond International Inc. As a speaker, facilitator and consultant I work with corporations to build healthy & respectful workplaces and navigate the issues that get in the way of success such as conflict, collaboration, communication breakdowns and change.

As a women-owned business with a passion to not only grow but share my skills, I was honoured earlier this year to be accepted as one of 100 women entrepreneurs in Canada for the Banff Spark Accelerator Program. I look

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forward to creating new relationships and connections and continuing to build and enrich those already established.

In 2017 I started work on a passion project - the award-winning film Back Home Again.

An animated reimagining of the 2016 Fort MacMurray wildfire evacuation, this film was created to bring mental health awareness and spark conversations in communities across Canada and around the world. My role as Executive Producer involved bringing in and working closely with partners, sponsors, collaboration and amplification champions, marketing, communications and leading events and release activities. A true example of the opportunities created by networking and creating connections.

The thread woven through all I do is relationships and connections.

Since certifying my business in 2020 it continues to be a privilege to partner with many of WBE Canada’s Corporate members and women entrepreneurs through so many and varied opportunities.

KAREN DANUDJAJA

Co-Founder & CEO, Blume After working in an industry built on coffee meetings, I started to feel it, both physically and mentally. Loving the café experience, but not what café menus were offering, I realized there was a huge gap in the market. Friendly wellness products that re-envisioned lattes we already know and love, beverages where you weren’t choosing between function and flavour.

Blume is a line up of familiar cafe latte flavours that are all organic, refined sugar free and made with superfoods. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the cafe experience and the wellness aisle. Making healthy options no-compromise, accessible at less than $1 a serving and flavour first. We have 10 different flavours which include rotating seasonals like Mint Cocoa and Salted Caramel. We are adding fun back to wellness rituals - no guilt and no compromise.

Our team is made up of 13 women. We are heading into our first capital raise and expansion of our product lines so we can tackle new and exciting growth opportunities. Blume was built out of a desire to find a like-minded community and elevate women. Certifying our business as women owned, something we all are so proud of, felt like a no-brainer. I hope to build on my community at WBE Canada to both find and give support to a group of women-leaders.

Source: Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub: The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada, 2022, Full report at https://wekh.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WEKH_ State_of_Womens_Entrepreneurship_in_Canada_2022-1.pdf

@itsblume | www.itsblume.com WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

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LISE LAPOINTE

PAMELA SHAINHOUSE

Founder & CEO, Terranova Security At Terranova Security, one of the core values and key drivers of success is our belief that challenges are opportunities.

Like so many other organizations at the very beginning of the pandemic, we experienced a learning curve and period of adjustment on how to best collaborate virtually with fruitful and engaging discussions and work sessions. Our ability to quickly pivot to a remotehybrid model so successfully is a great example of how we embraced a challenge and leveraged this new working model to explore new business opportunities with increased agility and innovation.

A major focus area for Terranova Security was global expansion, initially in the US and then into Europe. A significant part of our ability to grow and reach organizations and their end users in countries worldwide is the high-quality content and overall training experience we provide. Recently having joined the HelpSystems family, Terranova Security continues to experience exciting growth and is rapidly expanding in multiple countries.

My company is a division of a fashion brand, Allistyle Inc, which was founded in February 2006. Allistyle was the first size diverse sustainable fashion brand made in Canada.

I decided to open a new consultancy, The Shainhouse Group, which specializes in the training and development of corporate culture in equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDI&B).

Our special value to our clients is the writing of government grants that can help them get a reimbursement of our costs.

I believe that certification is essential to a woman owned service business. I am proud to be a certified WBE Canada member along with IWSCC ( certified disability business and WeConnect International) My passion has always been in helping people. I am a mentor to young entrepreneurs, because I was helped along the way and I believe that I have to pay it forward.

MARIA GAGLIANO

Owner, Menus By Maria Menus by Maria came to life, not through a traditional business journey, but a very personal one. After being diagnosed with cancer and subsequently beating her cancer, Maria Gagliano decided to share her passion for eating healthy - one of the key ingredients in her journey to regaining her health. Maria is passionate not just about bringing unique and customized products to her clients, but also about supporting local businesses. And in giving back, Maria donates 15% of sales to the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre. In 2022, Menus by Maria became WBE Canada certified and is currently supplying to another WBE certified business, Peter & Paul’s Gifts.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

President and Founder, The Shainhouse Group (a division of Allistyle Inc.)

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My key gift of advice for any business is “if you do not ask, you do not receive. When someone says no to you they are not saying no to you personally, they are saying no to your offering. Remember that, and you will not take the no to heart!”

SAAWAN LOGAN Co-Founder & CEO, North Water

North Water (www. drinknorthwater.com) is a naturally high alkaline water sourced from the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. North Water was started by two immigrant women; Saawan Logan and Linda Cheung who proudly call Canada home. For Saawan and Linda, North Water is their way of showcasing Canadian water to the

world. They bottle their water in aluminium bottles that are reusable and 100% recyclable. The company’s mission is to remove single-use plastic bottles from the shelves and replace them with a product that has a higher recyclability rate. The bottles are inspired by the colours of the Canadian glacial lakes as an ode to the Rocky Mountains.

The company went operational a week before the pandemic; we could not have chosen a more difficult time to start a business.

The last two years have been difficult for businesses overall and North Water was no different.

North Water joined WBE Canada for the wide range of opportunities they offer. Statistics have shown that women owned businesses have a much more difficult time in getting in front of buyers or raising money. WBE Canada helps to remove those barriers.

North Water currently works with hotels, coffee shops and retailers across Canada. The company is looking at expanding into overseas markets as well and making North Water the first woman owned brand of bottled water on the international stage that becomes synonymous with Canada.

“if you do not ask, you do not receive..."

ACCESS CONNECTIONS GROWTH

Everything You Need to Grow Your Business is Right Here

Become WBE Certified Today!

Equality drives innovation Equality is a powerful multiplier of innovation and growth.

It inspires creativity and a sense of belonging. At Accenture we’re committed to championing a culture of equality where our people are empowered to be their best, professionally and personally. Because as equals, anything is possible.

Learn more at accenture.com/equality

DON’T TRY TO BE THE PROBLEM-SOLVING HERO By: Carolyn Stern | President & CEO, EI Experience

Having too much empathy means you may not set clear boundaries. You can get entangled in other people's issues, carry others' emotional burdens on your shoulders, and often put others' needs before your own.

We are living in transformational times, where everything is changing so rapidly. It's hard to keep up, stay motivated and be the leader everyone needs us to be. We, ourselves, may be struggling.

Airline crews always preach to passengers that if there is an emergency on board, we need to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first before helping others. Leadership is no different, especially during stressful times.

At the beginning of COVID-19, emotions were running amuck for my staff. My high empathy was firing off on all cylinders as most of my team struggled with all of the uncertainty. I felt compelled to help them through this time of immense change.

Taking care of others can quickly deplete the caregiver. Leaders need to replenish their energy to be effective which is where, early in the pandemic, I struggled.

As the President and CEO of EI Experience - an executive leadership development and emotional intelligence training firm - I pride myself on having a lot of empathy. When you are high in empathy, you pay attention to and appreciate the feelings of others. Empathy has always served me well in my line of work. I actively listen, understand, and appreciate what others need, which helps me build trust and allows me to have more honest conversations and deeper connections.

But having high EI levels isn't always a strength.

There is a dark side to emotional intelligence. If your emotional intelligence tendencies in areas are overplayed and stack up in ways countering your other predispositions, a strength can quickly become a liability.

Ironically, I have a healthy level of empathy when it comes to my clients. All-day long, I listen to my clients' emotional problems at work and can stay self-differentiated. I care about how they feel but also coach them to have confidence in themselves and help them determine their own solutions to their work challenges.

Have you ever thought about what your strengths look like when overused? What impact do these exaggerated strengths have on others?

However, my well-balanced empathy went out the window when dealing with my staff, and was replaced with an urge to take care of them, like a mama bear protecting her cubs.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

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DON’T TRY TO BE THE PROBLEM-SOLVING HERO continued... and does not empower your team to make solid decisions autonomously. I needed to relearn that I could simultaneously have compassion, empathy, and boundaries.

But quickly, I had to learn that just because their emotions were at an all-time high, it was not my responsibility to carry the load. It took a little practice to identify where my empathy sweet spot was and make the needed adjustments, but I was able to re-establish and set better boundaries.

If I could tell every business leader who is struggling to get the results they want one thing, it would be this: Don't try to be the problem-solving hero. Inquire more than advocate your ideas. Ask thought-provoking questions versus telling your staff what to do.

So, I started to notice and release the emotions in my body when someone on my team was sharing. I still held the space for that person to express themselves in a safe environment and was compassionate, but I taught myself not to take on their emotions.

As the work world continues to transform, a great leader must teach their employees to be stronger than their issues and inspire them to have confidence in and rely upon themselves to find the solutions to manage their feelings. In doing so, you are not only putting the oxygen mask on yourself but teaching others where and how to find their own mask.

I stopped trying to solve everyone's emotional challenges but started having coaching conversations with my staff. Telling them what to do was sending the wrong message - as if they couldn’t solve things on their own. This kind of leadership approach creates a dependence culture

CAROLYN STERN Carolyn Stern, President and CEO of EI Experience, is a university professor, corporate trainer, certified Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Development Expert, author and professional speaker. Passionate about the importance of emotional intelligence, leadership development, and team building in the workplace, Carolyn helped pioneer the evolution of emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower to help professionals get unstuck, maximize potential and achieve more. Her engaging, results-based approach will motivate and inspire participants to apply the power of emotional intelligence to their own leadership, transforming the organization and unlocking unlimited opportunities in your business.

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WBE Canada and RBC Partner To Provide Financial Education to Canadian Women Business Enterprises Financial decisions touch so many aspects of life.

Some decisions are simpler, ranging from dayto-day purchases and choosing products and services for you and your family, while others are more complex, such as saving for your children’s education, caring for an aging parent, or planning for long-term life and retirement goals. WBE Canada and RBC partnered to provide a 20-part deep-dive learning experience to help Canadian Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) navigate through the complexities of financial planning.

manage both the growth and preservation of their own financial resources, as well as the wealth they may inherit. Beyond building a strong foundational knowledge and understanding of a full range of wealth and financial planning topics, this program also encourages and supports individuals in thinking critically, provides exposure to all areas of wealth planning, and fosters relevant skills that can then be applied to planning for every stage of life.

This program is available to all Certified WBEs, limited seats are open and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Sessions will be held between May and June and again between September and October. Information is posted in WBE Canada Toolbox.

The main goal of the RBC Wealth Management Financial Literacy Program is to help individuals better prepare for their financial futures, developing the knowledge and skills needed to WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

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PUTTING THE “FUN” IN FINANCE

Additionally, as women reach greater heights across different industries and businesses professionally, break barriers and choose different life paths personally, financial literacy is an important life skill that will empower each of us to make those choices with confidence.

Sudha Sankar | Wealth Advisor, RBC

“Being financially literate is a powerful thing, especially for women” – Otegha Uwagba Financial literacy, simply put, is the ability to make informed decisions around managing one’s personal finances – be it budgeting for your household expenses, paying off debt, or saving for your life goals. And women play a key role in making those decisions be it for themselves or for those who depend on them. If we look through history, women have been revered in many ancient civilizations as goddesses of wealth. In fact, the word abundance is derived from Abundantia, the Roman goddess of wealth, abundance, and prosperity.

To help women build financial literacy, we are pleased to present WBE members with RBC Wealth Management’s Financial Literacy program. As a facilitator of the program, I will share everything from the basics of budgeting to the advanced disciplines of financial planning. I can promise that it will be “fun”ance for all! So enroll today as spaces are limited. See you soon!

Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0340-02 Average and median gender wage ratio, annual

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SUDHA SANKAR

In modern times, the need for financial literacy among women has become even more important for the following reasons:

CFP Wealth Advisor

Empowering you to live your life.

LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY

As a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, the primary focus of my business is on providing a comprehensive Wealth Management approach to my clients that incorporates personal financial planning, investment advice, insurance, Will and estate planning. Among the individuals and families I work with, my clients include incorporated professionals and Business Owners looking for assistance with strategies related to business risk, transition, succession, retirement, and taxes. My passion for financial planning expands outside my job responsibilities and I actively participate in promoting financial literacy in the community by conducting seminars and workshops for different audiences both within RBC and volunteering with external organizations.

With over 15 years of experience at RBC, I have the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and have completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC), Conduct and Practices Handbook (CPH) and the Wealth Management Essentials (WME) course, Investment Management Techniques (IMT) offered by the Canadian Securities Institute. I also hold a MBA in Finance. With respect to my approach I often hear from participants that the workshops are very interactive and the materials presented are immensely helpful in understanding the financial concepts, and planning for their own financial goals.

In Canada, the average life expectancy is increasing. Currently it is 84 years for women compared to 80 years for men. This emphasizes the need for financial literacy for women who are more likely to be the surviving spouse and may be solely responsible for managing household finances. And, sometimes, that may be a new responsibility.

CAREER BREAKS As women often act as primary caregivers for children or aging parents, they may take “career breaks” and should consider how this may affect their financial situation. This leads to the necessity to not only plan for their personal finances during those breaks, but to also consider the impact to their family, retirement plan and overall budget with earnings lost.

GENDER PAY GAP While efforts are being made to address gender pay inequality, statistics1 continue to point to the existence of a gender pay gap. Having good knowledge around managing one’s money can help stretch those dollars.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

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Strengthening our economy through supplier diversity Strengthening our economy Strengthening our economy through supplier diversity Inclusive procurement practices strengthen local economies, forge new through supplier diversity

business opportunities and create value for communities. That’s why we Diversity Program ineconomies, 2004. developed the RBC® Supplier Inclusive procurement practices strengthen local forge new Inclusive procurement practices strengthen local economies, forge new business opportunities and create value for communities.

That’s why we Our goal is to advance equality of opportunity for women, That’s BIPOC,why LGBT+, business opportunities and create value for communities. we Diversity Program in 2004. developed thedisabilities, RBC®® Supplier persons with service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses Diversity Program in 2004. developed the RBC Supplier by promoting an inclusive supply and levelling the playing for Our goal is to advance equality ofchain opportunity for women, BIPOC,field LGBT+, Our goalsuppliers. is to advance equality of opportunity for women, BIPOC, LGBT+, diverse persons with disabilities, service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses persons with disabilities, service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses by promoting an inclusive supply chain and levelling the playing field for by promoting an inclusive supply chain and levelling the playing field for diverse suppliers. diverse suppliers.

Learn about our Supplier Diversity Program at rbc.com/sourcing/supplierdiversity Learn about our Supplier Diversity Program at Learn about our Supplier Diversity Program at rbc.com/sourcing/supplierdiversity ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. VPS109980 rbc.com/sourcing/supplierdiversity

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DID YOU KNOW? Important Updates & Opportunities

The WBE Canada Community Keeps Growing

BMO SUPPORTS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN CANADA WITH $5 BILLION IN CAPITAL

Through the program, BMO will allocate $5 billion in capital over five years to women entrepreneurs, building on the commitment of $2 billion in 2014 and $3 billion in 2018.

BMO, as a long-time advocate of gender equity, is committed to removing barriers to women’s empowerment, championing the advancement of women, and promoting an inclusive market.

BMO’s bold Purpose commitments include increasing support for small businesses and women entrepreneurs.

“Our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, comes to life through initiatives like this that drive progress towards a thriving and inclusive post-pandemic economy,” said Christine Cooper, Head, Canadian Commercial Banking, BMO Financial Group. “We recognize the great impact women business owners have on our communities and we are committed to helping them access the capital they need to grow their businesses, and through them, our economy.”

To mark International Women’s Day 2022, BMO announced a new $5 billion commitment to support women business owners in Canada.

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Join the movement! Make a difference…

Are you a women-owned business?

Are you a corporate/government organization?

GET WBE CERTIFIED

BECOME A MEMBER

FUNDING FOR WBE CERTIFICATION FEES CanExport SMEs, a program of the Trade Commissioner Service, provides up to $50,000 in funding to assist Canadian businesses with international market development activities, including gathering market intelligence, applying for IP protection, seeking expert legal or business advice, and attending international events, meetings, or conferences.

As of 2022, CanExport funding may also be used to cover annual supplier diversity certification costs for women-owned, Indigenous-owned, visible minorityowned and LGBTQ2-owned companies when submitting a project within a market that recognizes certification (for example, the U.S.). CanExport SMEs is currently accepting applications.

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY TOOLKIT This signature guide to help you kick start your supplier diversity program, was updated and is now available to ALL Corporate Member representatives and your teams without having to attend the workshop. Simply log in to the Toolbox and enjoy the journey. Our next workshop is scheduled for September 14-15, 2022 - mark your calendar!

Both Toolkit and the workshop continue to be available at no cost to our Members. Not a Member?

Explore Membership benefits

Learn more

MENTORSHIP PROGRAM FOR WBES IN ATLANTIC CANADA WBE Canada partnered with Centre for Women in Business Nova Scotia to support WBEs in Atlantic Canada. First cohort will start in September 2022.

More information will be released this summer. This program will connect WBEs to information, tools, resources and support designed to help them land more corporate and government contracts.

All WBEs in Atlantic Canada will be eligible to apply. Non-certified women-owned businesses are encouraged to get certified immediately to meet eligibility criteria.

Get certified WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

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IMPORTANT UPDATES & OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED...

2022 EXCELLENCE AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN! We are thrilled to announce that nominations are now being accepted for WBE Canada’s 2022 Excellence Awards. Each year, these awards are presented at WBE Canada’s National Conference to recognize top WBE Businesses and Champions of Supplier diversity in Canada. The 2022 Excellence Awards will be presented at our National Conference in Toronto on November 9-10, 2022.

Deadline for submissions is July 18th and you can submit more than one nomination.

Learn more

SAVE THE DATE! 2022 NATIONAL CONFERENCE IS COMING TO TORONTO After 2 years of online conferences we are excited to announce that our 2022 Conference is coming to Toronto on November 9-10, 2022. Block your calendar, book your flight, we can’t wait to see you face to face. Early bird registration opens in July.

Stay tuned for more information!

For access to the latest updates and information visit www.wbecanada.ca

SUPPORTING YOUR SUPPLIER DIVERSITY INITIATIVES

WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Accelerator Start Your Journey Today!

Procurement revamp can create greater access for historically marginalized communities

By SILVIA PENCAK, DARRELL SCHUURMAN, CASSANDRA DORRINGTON, AND DEIDRE GUY Inclusive procurement policies are not only effective, but they will also ensure an economic recovery that includes everyone in a society that leaves no one behind.

The increased importance given to the procurement portfolio is certainly a welcome development to many, especially to those who have been advocating for issues that have long plagued the federal government’s procurement process, such as the many barriers faced by diverse suppliers in doing business with the Canadian government.

Procurement practices and policies rarely dominate news headlines or dinner table conversations in Canada. At least, that was the case before two long pandemic years during which federal procurement was at the forefront of Canada’s response to COVID-19. From the great rush to secure personal protective equipment (PPE) to the international vaccine acquisition tussle that quickly followed, the strange new reality we live in has created an unexpected focus on the not-soglamorous, yet crucially important topic of federal procurement. After all, as the central purchaser for the Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) manages the procurement of goods and services valued at approximately $15-billion annually, which is a far from insignificant sum.

WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

Over the course of the pandemic, we have seen a disproportionate impact on businesses owned and operated by members of marginalized communities. Research shows that a higher percentage of businesses owned by women, Indigenous peoples, racialized people, members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and persons with disabilities reported declines in revenue of 20 percent or more, compared with businesses overall. These businesses had to lay off more employees and had a harder time accessing financial assistance. Taking into consideration

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PROCUREMENT REVAMP CONTINUED... that the starting point before the pandemic was already imbalanced, diverse businesses are slipping through the cracks very quickly. There have been many conversations during this time, and well before it, about how we can, as a country, better support and uplift such groups which have historically faced barriers to success.

This is an issue we have also been tackling for years at the Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada. SDAC was established in 2016 by four member organizations representing more than 1,000 LGBTQ2, Indigenous, women, visible minority, disabled, and veteran business owners. It continues to support and inform governments, businesses, and key stakeholders on the importance of inclusive procurement policies and practices.

One simple solution that has successfully created value in historically disadvantaged communities in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom is the implementation of governmentwide supplier diversity. We see supplier diversity as reaching out to include those groups not traditionally included or underrepresented in the supply chain or within the purchasing process of governments or major corporations.

It was encouraging to see new Public Services and Procurement Minister Filomena Tassi’s mandate letter include commitments towards advancing initiatives to increase the diversity of bidders on government contracts. PSPC’s recent launch of the Supplier Diversity Action Plan and the accompanying policy on social procurement are concrete steps in the right direction. Together these new policies should reduce barriers, increase supplier diversity, and enhance economic and social opportunities for underrepresented groups.

However, many implementation details are still pending and require meaningful consultation with diverse communities to ensure that an empirical and third-party certified approach is applied across the federal government which defines a diverse supplier as a for-profit entity owned, operated, and controlled by 51 per cent or more of a given underrepresented group. This has been proven in other international jurisdictions to benefit companies owned and operated by diverse communities by WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

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helping to drive economic growth in groups that experience disadvantage, discrimination, and barriers to equal opportunity.

As we finish the fight against COVID and move from crisis to recovery, implementing inclusive procurement policies across the government is a proven and effective way of supporting Canadian businesses and building a stronger, more resilient economy.

“Diverse businesses are important and supplier diversity is crucial to maintaining equitable growth in Canada’s economy,”

said Sylvie Ouellette, president and co-founder of Versatil BPI Inc. Implementing supplier diversity also aligns with the government’s goal of permanent and transformative changes to create a more equitable and inclusive society. As highlighted by one business owner, Andrea Robinson, “Being a minority-

owned business has its set of challenges and biases. Our two certifications—with Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council and Women Business Enterprises Canada—have helped eliminate those barriers and have been integral to the growth of our business in a short period of time.”

Inclusive procurement policies are not only effective, but they will also ensure an economic recovery that includes everyone in a society that leaves no one behind.

Recognizing certification by a third-party organization as the basis of an inclusive procurement process is necessary to ensure the integrity and probity in the process. It will also provide assurance to and validation of diverse ownership. This is recommended by the authors of Benchmarking Small and Medium Enterprises as Suppliers to the Government of Canada, a study conducted by the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management in collaboration with PSPC. Since first being elected in 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has consistently acknowledged that diversity and inclusion are sources of Canada’s

strength, and at the heart of our success. Though his government should be applauded for making great progress on the issue, domestic and international events of the past two years have only accelerated conversations on diversity and inclusion across the country. This new reality should not only give the Government of Canada the impetus to implement supplier diversity initiatives to ensure that the federal supply chain is representative of Canadian society, but also the courage to require large and mid-size Canadian corporations, Crown corporations, and provincial and local governments to implement their own supplier diversity programs as well.

After being behind the curve for decades, the federal government can become a leader in this space and create a procurement ecosystem that is the envy of the world.

Silvia Pencak is the president and CEO of Women Business Enterprises Canada (WBE Canada). Darrell Schuurman is the co-founder and CEO of the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). Cassandra Dorrington is president and CEO of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC). Deidre Guy is the cofounder and president of Inclusive Workplace Supply Council of Canada (IWSCC).

Article was originally published March 24, 2022 in The Hill Times References: Mo, Guangying, Cukier, Wendy, Atputharajah, Akalya, Boase, Miki I, Hon, Henrique (2020), Differential Impacts during COVID-19 in Canada: A Look at Diverse Individuals and Their Businesses

Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada (SDAC)

The Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada (SDAC) was established in 2016 with the intention of advancing supplier diversity in Canada. The SDAC is composed of four national supplier diversity councils that specialize in certifying diverse suppliers - WBE Canada, CAMSC, CGLCC and IWSCC. Collaborating and aligning efforts in key areas, the SDAC strives to improve economic opportunities for diverse certified suppliers from across the country, while assisting the various stakeholders in achieving their collective mandates. SDAC focuses on three core activities: Advocacy, Research, and Learning.

The SDAC supports and informs governments, businesses and key stakeholders on the importance of inclusive procurement policies and practices through supplier diversity, leading to value with economic growth and social impact.

PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION: THE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR By: Maryse Benhoff, President, BG Communications International Inc.

When asked to contribute to this edition of the WBE Canada Magazine about the success that my company has experienced in recent years as a public sector supplier, the first thing that came to mind was the unfortunate preconceived notions that prevent so many businesses from marketing themselves to this sector. Their hesitation stems from the mistaken belief that only large companies can become government suppliers. The government is no doubt one of the largest procurers of goods and services in our society, and this can be intimidating. The processes that government procurement offices follow for carrying out searches and communicating with people and creating business relationships with goods and services suppliers are demanding, not only in terms of steps that have to be completed and requirements that have to be met, but also in terms of the amount of time that it takes. That being said, these processes are accessible and transparent, and they aim, among other things, to ensure that any well structured and well-governed company generating value through their products or services can potentially become a government supplier, whatever its size.

During our more than 25 years of experience in the language sector, we have participated in various government procurement calls for tenders in which our organizational structure and processes have been foundational to our successful bids. Thanks to our sales team specialized in government procurement, we have managed to participate in several call-for-tender processes simultaneously. As a result, our company now boasts a portfolio of organizations and institutions with which we have maintained stable business relationships for many years.

We have learned a lot along the way, and I would like to share a few tips that we have applied to maintain our presence in the public sector and to continuously meet its needs.

Know your company well: By determining whether your company meets all the requirements established for a given tender, you can rule out certain tenders for which your company is not well suited, and focus solely on those that are a good match, and successfully follow through with the process. It is also important to know your production and response capacity so that you do not promise more than you can deliver.

Have up-to-date documentation: By having up-todate information on your company including key WBE Canada Magazine | Issue 6 | Summer 2022

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employees, policies, procedures, and any additional information you may have that substantiates your company’s experience and journey readily available, you will save valuable time when you participate in a tendering process.

Become familiar with the platforms for posting tenders: Some of the most important aspects in the tendering process are knowing and successfully navigating the information, disclosure and registration platforms and websites that the government has put in place so that tenderers can participate in the procurement process. The first step is to register. Also, before submitting your tender to a given organization, make sure that your company is enrolled in its diversity program if one exists.

Optimize your chances of success by dedicating human resources to following up on tenders: To succeed in the public sector, you will need to work steadily and consistently. Your team needs to devote part of each day following up on the tenders you bid on and seeking out new opportunities. Having a team that is organized, methodical and able to follow rigorous procedures will be key to ensuring successful bids.

Familiarize yourself with tender processes and procedures: An impeccably presented proposal will make you stand out from other tenderers. It is therefore important to know how to submit a proposal and to understand that every proposal is different and needs to be structured according to specific requirements. Knowing the steps of the tendering process, its requirements, and the types of contracts it can produce will enable you to understand the terms of reference that apply to your proposal and that will determine how it should be put together. Mastering the vocabulary used in these processes will further help you to quickly prepare a tender response. Using the same structure

and terminology in your proposal than in the documentation provided by the project authority will also make your bid easier to evaluate and help you ensure that your bid is not lacking any mandatory information.

Learn to ask questions: During the call-for-tender process, you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Do so! By asking specific, well researched, and relevant questions to the project authority, you will avoid making mistakes and ensure that you submit a quality proposal. Make note of the deadlines for submitting questions and follow up on the project authority’s answers, even to questions submitted by other bidders, as they might have an impact on your proposal.

Ensure continuous monitoring: Government procedures set specific deadlines for submitting questions and proposals. These deadlines are subject to periodic change. Keeping track of any changes to timetables and monitoring any amendments that may be published will help you make sure that you don’t miss an important deadline or overlook a change in requirements.

Request a debriefing: When the process allows for it and provided you have adequate communication channels for receiving such feedback, ask the project authority what its basis was for accepting or rejecting your proposal. You will then be able to identify your weaknesses and improve your next proposal. Similarly, knowing your strengths will enable you to leverage them and to keep building on them in the future.

Be prepared to deliver: Obtaining the contract is only one part of the tendering process. The subsequent delivery of the contracted product or service is the next step. The government has strict requirements regarding delivery conditions and timelines that all suppliers must respect, without exception. Having a consistent and achievable production schedule will be an important tool for meeting these requirements and building an excellent reputation in the sector.

In closing: Succeeding in the public sector requires being consistent, organized, and thorough, and having an in-depth knowledge of your company and industry. Achieving success should be part of your marketing strategy, but above all, your team will need to be trained and focused on working towards the same goal.

Maryse Benhoff is President of BG Communications International Inc., a leading translation services provider headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Maryse represents the Canadian WBE community as a member of WBE Canada’s Board Director and is a Chair of the Supplier Advisory Committee (SAC). She is recognized for being a pioneer in translation standardization and for championing the advancement of women in business. She currently serves as International Chair of ISO's TC37/SC5 which develops standards for Translation and Interpreting worldwide as well as International Committee Manager of ISO’s TC37/SC2 and. She also sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA). Since 2015, Maryse also sits on the Translation Programming Committee at McGill University with a view to help shape curricula and course content to align with market demands.

Transforming procurement and supply chain operations.

TELUS is focused on strengthening our strategic relationships with suppliers while innovating to improve our product and service offerings to enhance the customer experience.

We continue to launch programs to provide equal access to a supply base reflecting the diversity where we live, work and serve.

For more information please visit telus.com/procurement or email us at supplierdiversity@telus.com

© 2019 TELUS. 19-0564

CREATING A PATH AND FINDING SUCCESS IN A MALE DOMINATED FIELD

side projects, they are a fundamental part of our business and an ethos that permeates everything that we do.

As a woman in the construction industry, I am faced with daily obstacles to overcome in a traditionally male dominated field. Women are only 13% of the construction industry in Canada.

The challenges that go along with that reality are too numerous to mention.

By Rory Richards, CEO, Nuqo Modular NUQO Modular was created out of a desire to help Indigenous peoples tackle housing issues within their communities. Our work is strongly focused around providing vulnerable people, including women and children escaping domestic violence, Elders, and at-risk youth access quality, culturally sensitive, sustainably built, affordable housing.

Despite this adversity, NUQO has been able to carve out a name for itself by relying on our core values and forging our own path. This means working and supporting other woman owned and operated businesses to better strengthen representation across industries.

As an Indigenous woman, sustainable stewardship of our environment is a deeply ingrained part of my cultural heritage.

WBE Canada plays an important role in providing a network of women-owned businesses and services that allow us to further diversify and strengthen our supply chains.

At NUQO, our commitment to sustainable building practices and climate accountability are part of our core values. We strive to meet stringent construction and design standards that ensure the lowest carbon footprint during construction, as well as work with Gold Standard, a leading carbon offsetting program.

NUQO is currently in the process of obtaining B-Corp Certification, a rarity in the construction industry. We have also set up a foundation, Green Bear, supporting environmental groups, artists, and Indigenous communities to further find ways of lowering our carbon footprint. For NUQO these aren’t

RORY RICHARDS

A dynamic force in business with a background in modular development and government relations. An alumnus of Vancouver’s prestigious POWER 50 list, Rory has been a dynamic force in Canadian business for more than 20 years. She has a strong background in project management and government relations, working with a myriad of high-profile clients on project conceptualization, development, marketing and sales. Rory attended the Real Estate Division of the Sauder School of Business at UBC and studied property development at Langara College.

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FOCUS: CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS As we move into a new landscape within the pandemic, we have learned of the many inequities and just how fragile our supply chains are. As we start rebuilding, supplier diversity is coming to the forefront of conversations within Corporate Canada, creating more innovative and cost effective supply chains across Canada.

Our Corporate Members are reshaping their supply chains to create a more welcoming environment for women-owned businesses. Here are some of the inspiring initiatives from a variety of industry sectors.

ABC TECHNOLOGIES INC.: DRIVING ECONOMIC IMPACT AS TIER I SUPPLIER ABC’s Supplier Diversity Program awards contracts to underrepresented suppliers that meet contractual requirements. ABC partners with the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), and Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada). In partnering with different groups of suppliers, ABC aims to level the playing field, increase market competition, and boost economic activity for certified businesses.

Since the program’s inception, ABC has a supplier diversity spend over $830 million and over 125

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suppliers. ABC treats diversity and inclusion with their supply base with the same level of attention given to the employees.

About ABC Technologies ABC Technologies is a leading manufacturer and supplier of custom, highly engineered, technical plastics and lightweighting innovations to the North American light vehicle industry, serving more than 25 original equipment manufacturer customers globally through a strategically located footprint.

Edet Umoafia Lead, Supplier Diversity Development Program, Senior Buyer, Tooling and Components

COLLIERS PROJECT LEADERS: DRIVING CHANGE IN CONSTRUCTION SECTOR The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion recently released a study showing that only 39 percent of Canadian organizations have a supplier diversity policy in place. As diversity, equity and inclusion awareness grows, more businesses are seeking to adopt practices that improve diversity in the workplace.

In the construction industry, a healthy supply chain is critical – and it’s one of the most influential ways companies can incorporate diversity into capital projects. Colliers Project Leaders’ Bonita Craig joined a recent webcast on the topic, sharing experiences of how owners and project teams are making their capital project supply chains more diverse.

Bonita Craig, Managing Director, Infrastructure Advisory Colliers Project Leaders colliersprojectleaders.com/supplychain-diversity

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA (EDC): PROVIDING SUPPORT TO CREATE EQUITABLE ACCESS TO TRADE “Women-led companies often have a double bottom line,” said Catherine Beach, National Lead, Women in Trade at EDC. “They’re looking to not just make a profit, but also to make a positive change by solving a community gap.”

“With EDC being focused on inclusion, diversity and equity, a key goal in our support is to better meet the unique needs of all businesses and to create equitable access to trade. Viewing exporting through an inclusive lens can advance the interests of groups who have faced barriers to trade, help their businesses grow and succeed, and in turn, positively impact our economy and our communities.”

Download EDC’s Women in Trade guide to learn more about the solutions available to help womenowned and -led businesses pursue opportunities beyond our borders.

About EDC Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage.

As international risk experts, we equip Canadian companies with the tools they need – the trade knowledge, financing solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to grow their business with confidence. Underlying all our support is a commitment to sustainable and responsible business.

For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca.

Media Contact Export Development Canada 1-888-222-4065 media@edc.ca

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WHEN YOUR BUSINESS GROWS INTO A GLOBAL SUCCESS THAT’S THE

.EXPORT IMPACT

Access the tools and market insights you need to confidently grow your business abroad.

Learn how Export Development Canada helps Canadian women-owned and -led businesses succeed on the world stage.

Visit edc.ca/women-in-trade

FOCUS: CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS CONTINUED

PUBLIC SERVICE AND PROCUREMENT CANADA: BUILDING A MORE INCLUSIVE ECONOMY

TURNER CONSTRUCTION: WHERE CONSTRUCTION AND INCLUSIVENESS MEET Turner is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Our differences are celebrated, and our common values unite us. We want to reflect the diverse communities in which we live, and we want all our employees to feel valued. We are ensuring equitable advancement for all our employees and creating inclusive development opportunities.

We are fostering an environment in which every person is treated with dignity and respect. We are also increasing our recruitment efforts of diverse employees. 43% of our employees identify as POC; and in 2022, new hires consist of 42% female, and 62% are POC.”

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is helping more businesses get involved in federal procurement, to build a more inclusive economy and support the achievement of socio-economic objectives.

Our Procurement Assistance Canada team is dedicated to furthering these goals by making it easier for women-owned businesses to sell goods and services to the federal government. Through information sessions and consultations, we provide guidance on how to find and bid on contracting opportunities.

Visit Canada.ca/PAC for details about the many ways we help businesses learn how to work with the government, or call the National InfoLine (1-800-811-1148) to speak directly with a representative.

STAPLES PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS: BRANDING WITH IMPACT At Staples Promotional Products, we help people experience your brand through merchandise.

Whether your goal is to engage customers, recognize employees, or drive brand awareness, an impactful campaign can go beyond adding your brand’s logo to a product. With our commitment to supporting diverse and women-owned businesses and providing organizations with sustainable merchandise, you can enhance your brand’s messaging while making a positive impact on the environment, our economy, and your audience.

About Turner Construction Turner is a North America-based, international construction services company and is a leading builder in diverse market segments. The company has earned recognition for undertaking large, complex projects, fostering innovation, embracing emerging technologies, and making a difference for their clients, employees and community. Turner offers clients the accessibility and support of a local firm with the stability and resources of a multinational organization.

Visit staplespromo.ca to find out how you can enhance your brand through merchandise.

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FOCUS: CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS CONTINUED UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO: DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AT THE HEART OF SOCIAL PROCUREMENT PILOT To join the effort in building a more sustainable and thriving community, U of T is conducting a social procurement pilot. This pilot will connect faculties and departments with social enterprises, equity-deserving suppliers, and local suppliers. The goal is to advance equal procurement opportunities to businesses owned by Black people, Indigenous people, LGBTQ people, people of colour, women, people with disabilities, youth, seniors, and new Canadians, among others. We are excited to launch this program and look forward to many social value outcomes.

Lisa Myre, Sr. Program Lead Procurement Services, University of Toronto https://www.procurement. utoronto.ca/

READY TO START YOUR SUPPLIER DIVERSITY INITIATIVE? WBE Canada is a Canadian nonprofit organization working closely with public and private entities across North America interested in diversifying their supply chains by engaging more Canadian women-owned businesses in their procurement opportunities. Our Corporate Membership provides you with access to tools, resources and support to help you implement your supplier diversity journey with better results, greater impact and in a fraction of the time.

5 KEY BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

4. Events & Networking - Meet the Buyer, Annual Conferences, Roundtables, MatchMaker events and more. Learn more.

1. WBE Database - Access to the largest Canadian Diverse Supplier database in Canada with over 430 certified women entrepreneurs

5. Board of Directors and Committee Seats (where available) at no additional cost. WBE Canada is governed by our Board of Directors.

2. Training & Consulting - WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Accelerator Program includes complimentary training and consultation by a professional Supplier Diversity consultant at no additional charge. Learn more.

For more information please go to www.wbecanada.ca/membership or contact our team at membership@wbecanada.ca

3. SD Data Reporting - Includes, but not inclusive, to a complimentary Data Enhancement Scrub of your Supply Chain. Learn more.

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Making it possible.

Every day, Magna works to make the impossible possible – on the roads and in our communities. We are dedicated to supporting programs and organizations that make a difference in people’s lives and the world around us.

We are proud to sponsor WBE Canada dedicated to creating networking, training and promotional opportunities for Canadian women-owned businesses, buyers and leaders from large corporate and government organizations.

Together we can make it possible.

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