Pride at Work Canada Partners with EHRC to Champion 2SLGBTQIA+ Inclusion Across the Electricity Sector
March 11, 2025
Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada, in partnership with Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC), is launching an initiative to advance the Canadian electricity sector as an inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ people. With financial support from Women and Gender Equality Canada, this joint project will address the sector’s projected workforce shortage over the coming years while strengthening workplace safety and inclusion across the industry.
Canada’s electricity sector is facing a looming talent crisis as it has grown, significantly outpacing several other sectors. The electricity sector has seen 12 per cent growth over the past five years exceeding the seven per cent growth experienced by the overall Canadian economy during the same period.
Alberta’s electricity sector accounts for more than 12 per cent of Canada’s total electricity sector workforce and is expanding at a faster pace than in other provinces. It also enjoys a unique position in the broader Canadian electricity sector as the only province where electricity is financed and developed entirely by private investors.
Much of the sector’s growth is being driven by the introduction of new renewable energy jobs so that Canada can meet its ambitious carbon emission reduction targets. According to EHRC, the electricity sector is currently anticipating a need for 28,000 new workers by 2028.
“Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada is excited to champion this innovative joint initiative because the electricity sector is a critical driver of Canada’s economy,” said Colin Druhan (he/him), Executive Director at Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada.
“As AI reshapes workplace processes and Canada’s Small Modular Reactor Action Plan transforms the energy landscape, the industry’s workforce needs are evolving rapidly. To build a strong talent pipeline for this industry while enhancing safety and efficiency, we must deeply understand electricity employers and their business challenges. That’s why engagement with employers about their needs will be crucial,” he said.
Current workplace cultures often exclude 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals through discrimination that can range from verbal harassment to physical threats and violence. This ultimately leads to reduced retention levels and recruitment among 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada research shows that 2SLGBTQIA+ job seekers consistently face systematic barriers when entering the workforce, particularly in the manual labour and trades sectors.
“Employers want to foster safe environments, but because gender identity and gender expression are comparatively newer grounds in human rights law, they don’t always have the knowledge or tools to uphold these rights effectively. With the invaluable support of EHRC, we have a powerful partner to help us foster meaningful change and build a sector that’s safer for everyone to work in,” said Druhan.
“The electricity sector is at a pivotal moment and addressing the critical workforce shortage requires supporting the full potential of all Canadians,” said Michelle Branigan (she/her), CEO of EHRC. “We are proud to partner with Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada to advance inclusive workplaces where 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals feel safe, respected and valued, empowering them to contribute their talents to the fullest.”
The objective of this joint project is to empower electricity sector leaders with the skills to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and support employers in implementing inclusive workplace practices with tailored tools and training and consultation supports that will impact meaningful change.
“Everyone deserves to work in a place where they feel safe, valued and free to be themselves. Through this investment in Pride at Work Canada, we’re breaking down barriers and building more inclusive workplaces in the electricity sector,” said the Honourable Marci Ien (she/her), Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.
“When people can bring their full selves to work, they thrive and so do our industries and communities. Together, we’re taking action to end discrimination and create a future where everyone can live free from judgment, bias and hate,” she said.
The funding for this initiative is part of the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan that allocated $35 million over five years (2022-2027) to support a range of projects that are addressing discriminatory policies and practices, enhancing support for 2SLGBTQI+ communities and challenging harmful norms and attitudes.
With this support, the Government of Canada is Strengthening 2SLGBTQI+ communities to advance equality in Canada.
