Data on the demographic composition of workers in environmental careers show that women and immigrants are underrepresented compared to the overall Canadian labour force. This underrepresentation is much higher when considering industries such as mining and quarrying, and construction.
With 30 per cent of the workforce expected to retire in the next 10 years, developing a pool of diverse and qualified talent is crucial for the sustainability of environmental careers. The increasing demand for environmental workers is compounding this labour shortage.
To cope with this demand, organizations must look to strengthen their ability to attract, recruit and retain workers through numerous initiatives, including engaging and supporting diverse workforces.
This toolkit looks to support organizations with useful resources and case studies highlighting the importance and benefits of a diverse workplace.
Learn more about the need for a diverse workforce and the benefits for organizations of diversifying their business.
Based on a 2025 survey of 386 employers, this report explores how organizations in the agriculture, agri-food, and ocean sectors are supporting women’s career advancement. It highlights key barriers women face, current employer-led initiatives, and opportunities to strengthen inclusive workforce strategies across these industries.
In this video, a growing organization shares how early support from ECO Canada helped shape a more inclusive and effective workplace. Through targeted training and practical tools like the DEI hiring checklist, their team improved recruitment practices, reduced bias, and strengthened onboarding processes.
The experience also sparked deeper organizational changes, from developing inclusive policies to introducing succession planning for long-term sustainability. The result is a more diverse, welcoming culture where employees feel valued from day one, and where continuous learning remains a priority.
Get personalized support through one-on-one coaching or connect with experienced professionals through our coaching opportunities.
Who it is for: Professionals stepping into leadership roles, taking on greater responsibility, or developing their capability as people leaders.
Program approach: The Trailblazer is a six-session, one-on-one coaching journey that supports the practical transition into leadership. Participants work through the realities of leading others while developing their own authentic approach to leadership, strengthening communication and confidence, and building the resilience and clarity needed to lead effectively.
© Sustavia Global Inc.
Who it is for: Women professionals and leaders navigating career growth, leadership responsibilities, advancement, or professional transition.
Program approach: Women Who Lead is a six-session, one-on-one coaching journey providing a reflective and practical space for women to explore how they want to lead and grow. The program supports participants in strengthening leadership presence, confidence and self-advocacy while navigating workplace dynamics, career transitions and competing expectations in ways that remain authentic to who they are.
© Sustavia Global Inc.
Mentorship Program
The Mentorship program is designed for professionals in the Environmental and Engineering sectors to connect and engage with peers and mentors on topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Through the Mentorship program, professionals will have the opportunity to make new connections, discuss barriers women and underrepresented professionals face to advance to leadership positions, and get support and guidance to overcome those barriers.
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Olivier Joyal is the Executive Vice President, Strategy & Execution...
Rhonda Smith is Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO)...
Alison is a Mechanical Engineer with internationally recognized...
Maureen Reed is a distinguished professor and shares a UNESCO Chair...
Stephanie Hurlburt is a proud Sapotaweyak (sap-o-ta-wey-ak) Cree Nation...
Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley is an experienced facilitator, EDI researcher, public speaker...
Sandro Perruzza is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Society of...
Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry is the VP of Professional Services at ECO Canada...
Pooja works as a Project Manager at ECO Canada in the Professional Services....
Dans un esprit de respect, de réciprocité et de vérité, nous honorons et reconnaissons Moh’kinsstis, le territoire traditionnel du Traité 7 et les pratiques orales de la confédération des Pieds-Noirs : Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, ainsi que les nations Îyâxe Nakoda et Tsuut’ina. Nous reconnaissons que ce territoire abrite la Nation métisse de l’Alberta, la région 3 au sein de la patrie historique des Métis du Nord-Ouest. Enfin, nous reconnaissons toutes les nations qui vivent, travaillent et se divertissent sur ce territoire, et qui l’honorent et le célèbrent.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity, and truth, we acknowledge that we live, work, and gather on the traditional territories of the peoples of Treaty 7, including the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations—as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina Nations.
This land, known as Moh’kinsstis in the Blackfoot language and encompassing what is now Districts 5 and 6, is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3, within the historical Northwest Métis homeland.
We recognize and honour the deep connection these Nations have to the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share in its stewardship.
As we continue our work, we commit to learning from Indigenous knowledge systems, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering relationships rooted in equity, understanding, and reconciliation.
Nous travaillons actuellement sur la version française du site que nous espérons lancer très bientôt!
Merci pour votre patience et compréhension pendant que nous finalisons la version améliorée du site.
We are working to launch the French site very soon!
Thank you for your patience while we finalize the new and improved version of our website.
Olivier Joyal 
Rhonda Smith 
Alison Proctor 
Maureen Reed 
Stephanie Hurlburt 
Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley 
Sandro Perruzza 
Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry 
Pooja Sharma 
