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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At Wawanesa, our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is part of the foundation of who we are and how we operate.

DEIB for us is about embracing the unique identities, perspectives, and lived experiences that make each of us who we are. This commitment extends to everyone – our employees, members, and communities – across all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.

DEIB means creating a workplace at Wawanesa where every individual feels respected, safe, valued, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. It's about nurturing the diversity within our communities and ensuring it's reflected across our workplace, leadership, and culture.

We believe that what gets measured gets done. That's why we've introduced DEIB targets into our corporate scorecard, ensuring accountability across the company. We're proud that DEIB remains one of the top-rated metrics in our annual engagement surveys, a testament to our commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture.

Making Meaningful Community Impact

We're committed to driving impact beyond our workplace by building strong partnerships with organizations that support equity-deserving groups.

  • Through our Employee Resource Groups, we've directed $70,000 to local grassroots charities and non-profits across Canada.
  • As Corporate Sponsors of the Canadian Black Insurance Professionals (CABIP), we advocate for increased representation of Black professionals in the insurance industry, supporting mentorship, education, and networking opportunities.

Investing in Indigenous Reconciliation

We honour reconciliation by supporting Indigenous communities and investing in initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and economic inclusion.

Climate Resilience

Our Wawanesa Climate Champions program invests $2 million annually to support nature-based solutions led by environmental guardians, conservationists, farmers, and Indigenous Peoples. A key partner is the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, Canada's first Indigenous-led environmental charitable organization.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

We close our offices across Canada on September 30 to honor the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity for our employees to reflect, learn, and engage with their communities, recognizing the importance of truth, understanding, and the path toward reconciliation.

Driving belonging through Employee Groups

Feelings of belonging drive innovation and engagement, which is why we've established nine Employee Groups (EGs) that foster allyship, promote learning, and celebrate identity at Wawanesa.

Our EGs regularly host events, share communications, and lead initiatives that raise awareness on DEIB topics, helping to equip leaders and employees with the tools to build a supportive and equitable workplace. These groups ensure that inclusion is woven into every aspect of the employee experience, making Wawanesa a place where everyone feels they belong.

Women

This ERG strives to foster meaningful conversations across all genders to raise awareness of the challenges women face in the workplace. They aim to create a safe, inclusive environment where experiences can be shared, successes celebrated, and growth opportunities are provided through mentorship, networking, and professional development.

Pan Asian

PAC seeks to foster an inclusive and supportive environment at Wawanesa by celebrating the diversity of Asian communities. They aim to provide members and allies with opportunities for networking, community-building, and career growth.

Indigenous

The Indigenous ERG aims to create a community that provides a safe space for brave conversations to build belonging for Indigenous employees, increase cultural awareness and influence meaningful reconciliation actions within Wawanesa.

Abled and Disabled

The Abled and Disabled ERG is dedicated to raising awareness and fostering understanding of different disabilities, visible and invisible. They aim to create a supportive community where members can grow personally and professionally, build strong relationships, and empower each other.

Black

The Black ERG is committed to raising awareness, cultivating allies, and addressing issues important to their community. Their mission is to empower and unlock the full potential of Wawanesa's diverse Black talent.

Latin / Hispanic

This is a diverse community that celebrates Latin and Hispanic cultures, empowering members to grow and connect with Wawanesa's values. They strive to be a leading resource for cultural diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where members are celebrated, equipped to excel, and empowered to lead both within the company and beyond.

2SLGBTQIA+

This ERG is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and empowering environment where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work. Through education, awareness, and advocacy, they aim to raise visibility, celebrate diversity, and create a culture of acceptance and belonging. By supporting the personal and professional growth of our LGBTQIA+ colleagues, they strive to ensure that everyone at Wawanesa can reach their full potential, both within the company and in the broader community.

Environment & Climate Action

The Environmental and Climate Action Employee Interest Group is dedicated to inspiring and engaging employees in environmental stewardship and sustainability. They aim to raise awareness, drive meaningful action, and collaborate across the company to support and advance Wawanesa's sustainability goals. Through education, advocacy, and collective efforts, they strive to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and contribute to a more sustainable future for both the company and the wider community.

Parents

The Parents support group is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where employees who are parents can connect, share experiences, and access resources. They strive to promote work-life balance, provide emotional and professional support, and advocate for policies that help parents thrive both personally and professionally. The formation of this group was informed by our workforce.

The passion and engagement from these groups have made a tangible difference in shaping our inclusive workplace culture.

Start your job search

Contact jobs@wawanesa.com with any questions you may have.