1. Welcome & Foreword

Canada’s mining and minerals industry is missing out on much of this country’s talent.

Talented women in Canada sometimes work in the challenging and rewarding jobs in mining. Far more often, they choose to work in manufacturing, banking, public service, utilities, oil and gas, and other sectors. We cannot afford to miss out on half of the country’s work capacity. To succeed in a complex and dynamic business environment, Canada’s mining industry needs to gain access to at least its fair share of talented women.

This Action Plan lays out the challenge for our industry – we must drive a widespread change from yesterday’s mining industry to tomorrow’s. It challenges Canada’s mining employers to take meaningful steps to actively include more women and achieve new business benefits:

• Create a healthier resource base of skills and leadership.
• Surpass our current levels of performance in safety, health and wellness.
• Grow public and shareholder confidence in tomorrow’s mining industry.

with the experience and insights of fifteen industry organizations, the Action Plan calls on leaders at all levels to decide on measurable goals, select strategies, move decisively to action and commit to sustaining the change. It outlines evidence-based and business-relevant strategies, tips and tools to support action and implementation – at local mine sites, in employer organizations and in the industry.

The Action Plan brings an accountability and leadership focus to the business of changing our workplaces. It sets out a coherent approach that helps to ensure a successful implementation of gender-inclusive practices. It is impact-driven and change-focused.

We invite you to join with us in this transformative process.

The Board of Women in Mining Canada