Diversity and inclusion central to EDC winning Canada's Top 100 employer of 2019

OTTAWA, Nov. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Export Development Canada (EDC) is proud to be among Canada's top 100 employers for the tenth year. Canada's credit export agency is not only known for its mandate of helping Canadian companies Go, Grow and Succeed, but also as an employee-centric organization that thrives because of its engaged, diverse and passionate workforce. 

Canada has a dynamic and evolving trade agenda and to support it EDC is continuously growing and opening offices, raising the bar for opportunity not only for its customers in the trade space, but for its dedicated employees all around the world.

MediaCorp recognized EDC as one of Canada's best places to work for more than its employee health, financial and family benefits. The bright and spacious head office building is best in class for its collaborative work spaces and amenities, including a spiritual room, a fully equipped gym with workout classes taught by EDC's very own, and not to mention the rooftop garden.

"Employees are the foundation of every great organization. They are the heart and soul and EDC employees have much of both. We are hardworking and passionate about Canadian companies being successful abroad and strive for that every day," said Benoit Daignault, President and CEO, EDC. "EDC doesn't only help Canadian companies take on the world but strives to help their employees do the same."

Above all, EDC is committed to offer continuous learning and improvement by providing employees with training and development opportunities to excel in their roles and advance throughout the organization, all while promoting a diversity and inclusion, and good health.

EDC has of numerous employee-led committees, such as the Women@EDC group, Latinos Y Amigos, LGTBQ+, the Wellness Committee and many more devoted to promoting diversity and inclusion, community involvement and mental and physical health awareness.

"Since being at EDC, I feel like there is always an opportunity for me to give back, whether it be at community investment day, through charitable donations, or volunteering for youth programs," said Xenia Hebert, Student at EDC. "It makes me feel like am I not only making a difference for Canadians companies and my colleagues, but for my community as well."

"We encourage our employees to be ambassadors for diversity and inclusion, so much that we created an Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award to recognize those employees who actively promote diversity and champion an inclusive work environment in their everyday work life," said Margot Panet, Senior Advisor, Workplace Strategy and Culture, EDC. "To me, this is meaningful recognition."

"It's important that our employees feel they have the resources they need to live a healthy life-style. People should have trust in their employers to provide resources to improve mental, physical and family health, and this is what the Wellness program aims to do by taking proactive measures on educating on these issues and providing support when needed," said Andrea Waldrum, Principal, Business Advisory Services, EDC.

About EDC

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation that helps Canadian companies of all sizes go, grow and succeed beyond Canada's borders. We are international risk experts, equipping Canadian companies with the tools they need – trade knowledge, financing solutions, insurance and global connections – to take on the world with confidence. EDC also builds financial relationships with foreign buyers to generate opportunities for Canadian companies.

For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-888-434-8508 or visit www.edc.ca.

SOURCE Export Development Canada

Spokesperson, Shelley Maclean, Export Development Canada, [phone], [email protected]