The aeronautics industry is promoting diversified skills and fair employment practices to continue its growth
Aéro Montréal Unveils White Paper on Best Practices for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The aeronautics industry is promoting diversified skills and fair employment practices to continue its growth
Aéro Montréal Unveils White Paper on Best Practices for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Montréal, March 9, 2020 – Aéro Montréal today unveiled major recommendations and guidelines proposed by the aeronautics industry to promote the development of diversified skills and fair employment practices within organizations in the sector. The presentation of the white paper’s conclusions took place in the presence of Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region, as well as many members of the industry.
A strong, qualified and diversified workforce is a powerful driver for performance and innovation – factors essential for companies to continue to grow and stand out on the world stage. More than 34,000 positions will need to be filled in Québec’s aerospace sector over the next 10 years. The industry is working to develop a concerted strategy to address major workforce challenges.
Through this initiative, Aéro Montréal intends to support organizations in the implementation of tangible equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plans. A true work and reference tool, the white paper will also guide the industry in implementing an aerospace succession planning strategy designed to attract the next generation of skilled workers.
Highlights
The report - entitled Pour des organisations inclusives dans la grappe aérospatiale du Québec : Miser sur des compétences diversifiées et des pratiques équitables (For inclusive organizations in Québec’s aerospace cluster: Building on diverse skills and fair practices) - presents four major proposals for action encompassing: 1) the attraction of new skills and renewal of the workforce by ensuring that EDI is promoted and maintained; 2) the identification of sources of bias; 3) the implementation of a strategic organizational plan; and 4) the strengthening of EDI management expertise in small, medium and large enterprises and the implementation of measures to evaluate and assess changes.
A concerted initiative
Prepared in collaboration with Tania Saba, BMO Chair in Diversity and Governance and Professor at the School of Industrial Relations at the Université de Montréal, the white paper reflects comments and suggestions gathered from a survey of industry members. It is the culmination of a lengthy and rigorous process that began following the Inclusive Organization of Tomorrow Forum hosted by Aéro Montréal in March 2019 as part of International Women’s Day.
“To promote employee recruitment, retention and development, businesses must innovate in the management of their human resources. In the present context of a labour shortage, such an approach is crucial to be assured of benefitting from all available talent. The launch of the white paper demonstrates that the aerospace industry is trained in that direction, as is your government. With my workforce action plan, numerous measures are in place to meet the needs of businesses and workers.”
Jean Boulet, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Solidarity and Minister Responsible for the Mauricie Region
“The Québec aerospace industry is recognized worldwide for its skilled workforce. To continue to build on this strength and support the industry’s growth, its leaders recognize the importance of implementing a rigorous management of equity, diversity and inclusion within organizations. The white paper, developed in consultation with the industry, offers tools that will facilitate the implementation of fair employment practices and promote employee development.”
Suzanne M. Benoît, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aéro Montréal
“The future development and growth of our aerospace industry depends in large part on our ability to attract, develop and retain human capital. More than ever, diversity, inclusion and equity must be intrinsic values for companies to ensure the succession of our aerospace workforce. This white paper is a reference tool that will help create a work environment in which every employee will have the opportunity to develop his or her full potential.”
Kevin P. Smith, Vice President, Human Resources, Pratt & Whitney Canada and President of Aéro Montréal’s Human Resources Working Group
About Aéro Montréal
Created in 2006, Aéro Montréal is a strategic think tank that groups all major decision makers in Québec’s aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, as well as associations and unions.
The activities of Aéro Montréal are made possible thanks to the participation of the governments of Québec and Canada, the Montréal Metropolitan Community, as well as company members of the cluster.
Contact:
Léa Guicheteau
Aéro Montréal - Press
Bur. : 514-987-9395 | cell. : 514-550-7494
lea.guicheteau@aeromontreal.ca