Women & Leadership Summit June 18, 19 & 20, 2008 Toronto

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Conference Agenda

Session 4:

1:15-2:00 - Women, Leadership & Economic Prosperity
Clare Beckton, Coordinator, Status of Women Canada

The nature of today's workplace is such that demands of a full and balanced life must be respected by, and responded to by, the organization. We have evolved beyond the core needs previously developed to address the influx of women into the workforce, such as more generous maternity leaves and onsite day care. This presentation will describe how women are making a huge difference in the world of business. Find out how organizations can tap into the talents of women to obtain remarkable results, and how today’s leaders can promote gender equality in order to drive economic growth and prosperity.

? Policies and incentives to promote women’s participation in economic life
? Special issues facing minority women
? Measurable indications of improvement
? Better financial results
? Access to a growing, well-educated workforce


2:00-2:45 - Overcoming Discrimination in the Workplace
Michèle Bazin, Vice-President, Public Affairs, Just For Laughs

Some may argue that in this 21st century, gender discrimination in the workplace has been wiped out, with half of the workforce now consisting of women. However, considering the ever-present gap between compensation paid to men and women as well as the under-representation of women in senior executive and corporate director positions, there is a lot more work to be done towards achieving equality. In this presentation, Michèle Bazin will explore the evolving nature of gender discrimination and draw upon her own experiences to discuss strategies and best practices for facing discrimination head-on and overcoming barriers to equality.

? What does it take to be a leader in a sector that is predominantly male-oriented?
? What role does workplace culture play in creating barriers?
? Are there greater and more difficult obstacles to surmount to get ahead?
? How to make being a minority work for you


2:45-3:00 NETWORKING BREAK

3:00-3:45 - Pay Equity and Equality in the Workplace
Annie Blouin, Head, Service Delivery - Corporate and Institutional Services, RBC Dexia Investor Services

The existence of pay inequity is among the most striking signs that equality in the workplace has not yet been fully achieved. Gender-based discrimination in compensation has been an issue since women entered the workforce, but with women climbing the corporate ladder and achieving higher education, why is it still an issue and, more importantly, what can be done to fix it?

? Guidelines for employers: standards and laws to familiarize yourself with
? Your organization’s commitment to closing the gap: enforcing pay equity
? Matching compensation to performance
? Industry-specific earnings gaps


3:45-4:30 - Women as the New Business Leaders: Are We Best Placed to Run a Socially Responsible Organization?
Ruth Fothergill, Regional Vice-President, Ontario, Export Development Corporation

Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the need to participate in improving their social surroundings, community and environment. Gender equality in the workplace has been a crucial value of a socially responsible organization and, as a result, women are particularly aware of the need for ethical and social commitments. This presentation will discuss how women are contributing to upholding a socially responsible organization, and why women in leadership roles may be best equipped to do so.

-What does Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mean? Does it matter?
-Educating your organization and instilling socially responsible values
-Going well beyond the equal opportunity hiring criteria
-Accountability, compliance and risk management



4:30-5:15 - Changing Demographics in the Workplace
Cynthia Kirkland Odell, Vice-President, Marketing Services, Teknion Furniture Systems

It is estimated that in North America more than 40% of senior executives will retire within the next five years as the baby boomers leave the workforce. Further, increased competition, the shrinking labour market and the erosion of geographical borders have all contributed a shift in the demographic make-up of organizations. In this presentation, Cynthia Kirkland Odell will discuss how these changing demographics in the workplace are impacting leadership strategies and approaches.

- How changes in the Canadian labour force are affecting leadership succession
- Preparing for the retirement of baby boomers
- Assessing diversity statistics
- The impact of generation Y
- Building loyalty and raising productivity