Business Voice Magazine (August 2021)

H A L I FA X C H A M B E R O F CO M M E RC E | AU G U S T 2 02 1 | VO LU M E 3 0 I S S U E 0 8

INSIDE A GOLD MINE AND UNDER THE OCEAN

Mining an endless ocean of opportunities PAGE 16

THE POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

What it means to be a true ally Pg 24

RIDE AND FIGHT!

Riding to raise awareness and funds for cancer research Pg 30

THE POWER OF SUPPLIER DIVERSITY

Removing barriers for LGBT+ businesses Pg 36

In Association with:

Present

The DOUBLE BUBBLE Promo Book a NEW meeting or business event on Prince Edward Island in 2021 and qualify to double select concessions, discounts and rewards.

Requirements:

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Double

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$100 Golf PEI gift certificate?

2 Canada’s Food Island Gift Cards?

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Donna-Marie MacLeod Business Development Manager dmmacleod@peimc.com 902.368.2009

Treena MacLeod Business Development Manager tmacleod@peimc.com 902.629.2929

meetingsandconventionspei.com

AFFINITY PARTNERS As a member of the Chamber you gain access to many benefit programs that can save you & your company money. You can recover the cost of your membership many times over just by taking advantage of these money and time saving benefits from our Affinity Partners.

Find out more here.

The key to this event’s success is the incredible community 30 support behind it. Cancer rates are continuing to rise and there will always be a need to raise critical funds to ensure we have the best treatment options for all Atlantic Canadians.”

— Dianne MacDonald, Event Manager, Ride for Cancer

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 05 Events & Policy 07 President’s message 08 New & Noted

SPECIAL FEATURE:

12 Members in the News 16 Inside St Barbara’s gold mine and COVE’s ocean Mining an endless ocean of opportunities

24 The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow What it means to be a true ally 30 Profile Ride and fight!

Riding to raise awareness and funds for cancer research

THE POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW 24

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Board of Directors – Officers

Mark Sidebottom, Nova Scotia Power, Chair Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem, Vice-Chair Gavin MacDonald, Cox & Palmer, Past Chair Roger Boutilier, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS Ann Divine, Ashanti Leadership Karim George, InTouch Communications

Directors

33 Trends See the emotions of your employees'

34 Working for you

Amplified Voices wants to be heard

The power of supplier diversity

38 Thank you to our webinar sponsors

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Michele Peveril, Halifax Port Authority Brad Proctor, McInnes Cooper Richard Butts, Clayton Developments Limited Caroline Wolfe Stewart, Nova Scotia College of Nursing Andrew de Freitas, Canadian National Railway Christopher Googoo, Ulnooweg Hon. Joanne Bernard, Easter Seals Nova Scotia David Rideout, MetroWorks Chris Cowper-Smith, Spring Loaded Technology Martha Casey, VOLTA Captain (N) A.S. Williams, CD, Maritime Forces Atlantic Kimberly Stephens, Appili Therapeutics Inc. Denise Allen, Food Processors of Canada Donna Harding, Engel & Völkers Paul Way, TD Private Wealth

Chamber Staff

Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO Becky Davison, Vice President, Marketing Kent Roberts, Vice President, Policy Sandra White, Director of Finance and Administration Emma Menchefski, Communications Manager Mina Atia, Communications Coordinator

BUSINESS VOICE

Volume 30 • Issue 08 Business Voice is published 11 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur.

Please address editorial enquiries and changes to information to: Halifax Chamber of Commerce 100-32 Akerley Boulevard Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1 Tel: 902-468-7111 Fax: 902-468-7333 info@halifaxchamber.com www.halifaxchamber.com

EVENTS & POLICY

CHAMBER EVENTS

For a full and up-to-date list of Chamber events, please visit

halifaxchamber.com/events

Contact chris@halifaxchamber.com for partnership opportunities

VIRTUAL EVENTS BUSINESS SUPPORT SERIES

**Resuming in September**

Check out the September lineup HERE and October lineup HERE

We're accepting speaker requests for the November lineup. Addressing the Chamber membership and audiences will help raise your profile in the business community!

Fill out a form HERE

Cindy's Benefits Meeting August 5 and 26 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM REGISTER HERE

2021 CHAMBER GOLF CHALLENGE September 2 Shot gun start at 12:30 PM REGISTRATION IS FULL WAITLIST HERE

CHAMPION YOURSELF TO WELLNESS

5-PART WEBINAR SERIES with ANN-MARIE FLINN,

President and founder, Champion Foundational Change Agency

Every Wednesday for 5 weeks starting OCTOBER 13 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM REGISTER HERE

REGISTER TODAY

POLICY & ADVOCACY

For more info on Chamber policy and advocacy work, please visit

halifaxchamber.com/advocacy

Nova Scotia: Election 2021 It’s election time again!

On August 17th, 2021, Nova Scotians will be going back to the polls. The Halifax Chamber of Commerce has and will continue to promote the importance of voting. Whether in federal, provincial or municipal elections, it is our right to vote and truly a privilege to have the opportunity to express our opinion through the ballot box.

Are you registered to vote?

Getting on the voters list is easy! Register online, by mail or in-person when you go to vote. Find out if you’re on the voters list, or get registered here.

Voting Safely Elections Nova Scotia is committed to delivering a safe, fair and inclusive election. Learn about the COVID-19 precautions and other waves to vote safely here.

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BUSINESS VOICE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A sense of Pride @prezhfxchamber

Leading with active allyship and tangible work small step helps foster safe and open conversations in effort to normalize the practice for everyone, especially trans people, to share their pronouns.

PATRICK SULLIVAN PRESIDENT & CEO, HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

A

couple of months ago, I noticed that we, at the Chamber, had not changed our logos to the rainbow logo in solidarity with Pride. We do so every year during June and July in recognition of Pride Month celebrated internationally in June and of Halifax Pride in July. After conversations with the Chamber team, we learned more about rainbow-washing and the true meaning of allyship.

Our new Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (DEA&I) policy is also keeping us on track to ensure representation across all of our Chamber efforts. That includes diverse representation on our board of directors; creating a new position to carry out specific outreach for underrepresented groups and engaging communities such as the 2SLGBTQ+ to increase the diversity of our membership; and a holistic representation in all our communication channels and vehicles such as Business Voice magazine. Read this issue’s Pride themed story coinciding with the 2021 Halifax Pride Festival––happening this month.

And lastly, we are committed to DEA&I education and profiling underrepresented

speakers through several of our channels.

I often consider the Chamber to be a media company because of our reach and platform we enjoy, particularly through our many events. So, we are using our events platform to address real 2SLGBTQ+ issues this coming on Oct 15 and 16 – Small Business Big Pride with TD. All year round, and not just during Pride, the Chamber is embracing what makes each of us unique and proud. And we continue doing so by leveraging muchneeded important educational content, increasing awareness, and advocating on behalf of those underrepresented groups in all Chamber efforts.

I also look forward to celebrating Pride every other month of the year. Happy Pride, Halifax.

We’re in your corner.

Pride is much more than just rainbows and parades. It’s about celebrating survival, fighting for equal rights, supporting the community, honouring those who paved the way to feeling free and being your authentic self, being accepted and respected, and protecting youth––especially trans youth. That’s why we have supported the Youth Project and will continue to do so to help youth from all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds find the necessary and beneficial resources.

Learning more about what it means be an ally also made me reflect on the tangible work we do here at the Chamber to actively support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. We are committed to removing systemic barriers and learning and growing as we go. At the beginning of this year, we implemented a new policy to encourage our staff to include their pronouns in email signatures. This

REGISTER TODAY

AUGUST 2021

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NEWSMAKERS

NEW & NOTED We welcome our new Chamber members AKSO MARINE BIOTECH INC. AKSO has always taken advantage of marine resources, devoting time and assets to maintain and develop highly scientific and technological standards in conjunction with the industry and product structure adjustment. This ensures our ability to produce highly nutritional products and high value health products. Nova Sea Atlantic® sea cucumber capsules, made from 100% wild-caught Atlantic Sea Cucumber capsules, are sustainably caught fresh from the coastal waters of Nova Scotia, Canada. They provide antioxidants that help fight/protect cells against the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.

Xin Zeng 1697 Brunswick St Suite 3 Halifax, NS (902) 428-8888 frankz@akso.ca www.akso.ca

HEALTH CARE - Health and Wellness

AXIS CAPITAL Brendan Butler

1625 Grafton Street, Suite 900 South Tower Halifax, NS (416) 361-7200 brendan.butler@axiscapital.com www.axiscapital.com

FINANCE & INSURANCE - Insurance Services (General)

CLEAN VALLEY BIO-FILTRATION TECHNOLOGIES CIC Clean Valley bio-filtration technologies is a community interest research and development company based in Nova Scotia. We are young and eager to apply our knowledge of biomimicry and bio-utilization.

Nicholas LaValle

371 Prince Albert Rd Dartmouth, NS (902) 435-6521

valleycleannpo@gmail.com www.cleanvalleycic.com

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT - Ocean Technology 8

COMFORTING COMPANIONS CARE PROVIDERS INC What makes us unique in our services is that we provide companions who offer emotional and social support to loved ones of family members, focusing less on physical care and more on their emotional well being.

Yvette Gagnon Wellington, NS (902) 430-2233

yvette@comfortingcompanions.ca Comfortingcompanions.ca

HEALTH CARE - Counselling

COURYAH COURIER SERVICES INC. Couryah is a Halifax-based on-demand delivery platform that launched in May, 2019. Couryah is founded to be a one stop online platform for all your local needs and more. That includes grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants and other specialty food stores around the city. It's as easy as One, Two, Delivered!

Our mission is to redefine convenience in the on-demand delivery experience through sustainable development of local communities.

Omar Soliman Halifax, NS (902) 418-4869

osoliman@couryah.com www.couryah.com

COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY E-Commerce

DON SECORD - RETIRED MEMBER Don Secord Halifax, NS OTHER - Retired Member

EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS CHRIS KEEFE Edward Jones is a financial services firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It serves investment clients in the U.S. and Canada, through BUSINESS VOICE

its branch network of more than 15,000 locations and 19,000 financial advisors.

The company currently has relationships with nearly 8 million clients and $1 trillion in assets, under management worldwide. The firm focuses solely on individual investors and small-business owners. Edward Jones is a limited liability and partnership owned only by its employees and retired employees and is not publicly traded.

Chris Keefe 6052 Quinpool Rd Halifax, NS (902) 444-7666

chris.keefe@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.ca/ca-en/ financial-advisor/chris-keefe

FINANCE & INSURANCE - Financial Services

FUNDING TALENT Ryan Grant

1093 Bedford Highway Unit 101 Bedford, NS (902) 371-3363

ryan@fundingtalent.com http://www.fundingtalent.com

COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY E-Commerce

HALIFAX HAWKS MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION The Halifax Hawks MHA is a not-forprofit hockey association with a membership of over 700 players (ages 4 - 22).

Our mandate is to create a positive hockey experience for all participants in a safe, fun, sportsperson like environment. We strive to maintain a healthy perspective between life and the game.

Beth Reid 37 Vimy Avenue Halifax, NS (902) 449-5692

Admin@halifaxhawks.ca

SPORTS & RECREATION - Sports Development

NEWSMAKERS HARBOURVIEW PUBLIC AFFAIRS

METCREDIT

RAFFLEBOX TECHNOLOGIES

Robert Batherson

MetCredit is a Canadian debt recovery company licensed and bonded as a collection agency in all provinces and territories. With offices in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver, MetCredit provides consumer and commercial debt collection and credit reporting services to every type of credit grantor across Canada. Founded in 1973, MetCredit’s pioneer spirit in the debt recovery industry is deeply rooted in a strong, unwavering dedication to providing professional, reliable service characterized by high ethical standards of conduct.

Brian Summerfelt

Rafflebox makes online fundraising easy by helping community organizations, big and small, raise more funds for their cause through online 50/50s and prize raffles. Thousands of registered charities, non-profits and sports groups across Canada partner with Rafflebox to drive ticket sales and reach their fundraising goals by sharing a simple link.

Simon Cusack

Halifax, NS (902) 478-1685

robertbatherson@gmail.com

ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA - Public Relations/Affairs

MARITIMELAUNCH SERVICES LTD Based in Halifax, Maritime Launch will develop and operate a spaceport located in Canso, Nova Scotia. Maritime Launch provides launch services for satellite clients that are in communications and environmental monitoring industries.

The commercial spaceport will fuel economic growth and attract investment in Nova Scotia’s aerospace cluster.

Stephen Matier

400, 10310 Jasper Ave Edmonton, AB (780) 420-2377

1741 Lower Water St Suite 600 Halifax, NS (505) 553-0822

bsummerfelt@metcredit.com www.metcredit.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Engineering

NOVA SCOTIA'S COMMUNITY HAUL

steve.matier@maritimelaunch.com www.maritimelaunch.com

MC ADVISORY MC Advisory is a boutique advisory firm, with experts who bring a wealth of local and global experience to help accelerate the growth and development of Atlantic Canadian organizations and communities. MC Advisory supports clients in three practice areas: Business Growth & Legacy, People & Culture, and Public & Social Sector.

Erica Armstrong Halifax, NS (902) 483-9481

erica.armstrong@mcadvisory.com www.mcadvisory.com/

HR, EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING Human Resources

FINANCE & INSURANCE - Collection Services

Community Haul is a local subscription box that celebrates Nova Scotia businesses. By pledging your community support with a subscription, you can help keep the lights on for dozens of local businesses! Every box sold supports the IWK Foundation to provide care for the women and children in the Maritimes.

Keely Wallace 21 Raddall Ave Dartmouth, NS (902) 877-9339

keely.wallace@communityhaul.ca communityhaul.ca

COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY E-Commerce

MC DANIEL INVESTMENTS INC

NOVAXPRESS COURIER SERVICES

Claude Daniel

Karanjeet Singh

Halifax, NS (902) 864-5078

cld@mc-daniel.com www.mc-daniel.com

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION Real Estate Residential

780 Windmill Road 105 Dartmouth, NS (902) 999-2800 Karan@novaxpress.ca www.novaxpress.ca

TRANSPORTATION – Logistics

AUGUST 2021

1717 Barrington St Suite 400 Halifax, NS (403) 889-6230 simon@rafflebox.ca www.rafflebox.ca

COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY E-Business

RING RESCUE INC Ring Rescue Inc. is a medical device company who creates effective solutions to aid professionals in stuck ring removal. Our patented compression device shrinks finger size 100% of the time, and then proper manipulation techniques and our specially designed non-hydrating lubricant are used to remove the ring without cutting.

Jessica Snair 20 Orion Crt Dartmouth, NS (888) 640-7464

jessica@ringrescue.com www.ringrescue.com

HEALTH CARE - Medical Technologies

ROSAPEL Rosanna Pelton is the founder and CEO of ROSAPEL, a Virtual Office Manager and Executive Assistant company servicing entrepreneurs and small to midsize businesses by allowing them more time to work on their revenue-generating business while we take care of all their administrative needs and keeping their "office" in order.

Rosanna Pelton Dartmouth, NS (902) 401-3576

info@rosapel.com www.rosapel.com

BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Virtual Office

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NEWSMAKERS SOLUTIONS SERAFIN Solutions Serafin offers a complete technical solution to our customers from the truck, bus, mining and off-highway applications. We service transmissions, axles and beyond representing many brands. Through technical competence, sophisticated diagnostic technology and a diverse genuine stock our team is uniquely able to provide the best and quickest support at the highest local and global standards. In line with our market-oriented approach, we follow the latest trends on E-mobility and electrification and also having an inhouse driveline acoustics department servicing the needs of our clients.

Maser Ibrahim Halifax, NS (514) 922-8100

5495 Spring Garden Rd Suite 101 Halifax, NS (902) 423-3888 susan@summitspa.ca www.summitspa.ca

PERSONAL CARE & SERVICES - Spa

ULTRAMAR Founded in 1961 Ultramar was formerly known as Golden Eagle - the iconic symbol still associated with the brand today and recognized by millions of Eastern Canadians. Ultramar delivers high-quality diesel, propane*, lubricants and equipment to businesses like yours.

We service every size industry throughout Canada - locally, rurally or remotely.

Joel Chiasson

maser.ibrahim@solutionsserafin. com

30 Oland Court 101 Halifax, NS (902) 476-6677

TERRA CONSTRUCTION

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT - Oil & Gas

TRANSPORTATION - Automotive Repair/Parts

Terra Construction is an established, locally owned and operated construction company servicing HRM and surrounding areas. It's primarily known for its expertise in hardscapes, playground and splashpad installation, excavation, and residential and commercial work, including snow and ice management.

Kody Cuvelier 41 Borden Ave Dartmouth, NS (902) 880-1814

kody@terrahalifax.com www.terrahalifax.com

REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION Contractor/Construction

THE SUMMIT- SKIN CARE & HAIR REMOVAL LIMITED For over 30 years, The Summit has been one of the top spas in Halifax, Nova Scotia with many awards won to prove it. At the Summit, you can expect knowledgeable advice from experienced, professional and caring staff in a private, relaxing environment. We specialize in permanent hair removal, clinical skin care, and advanced foot care.

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Susan Alward

BUSINESS VOICE

joel.chiasson@parkland.ca www.parkland.ca

VON CANADA Rebecca Druhan

7075 Bayers Road Suite 100 Halifax, NS (902) 292-3154 rebecca.druhan@von.ca www.von.ca

HEALTH CARE - Health Care Services, General

Are you a new member?

To submit your 50-word description for New & Noted, please contact Mandi Bowser, Administrative Assistant at Mandi@halifaxchamber.com or 902-468-7111 within the first six months of membership.

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NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How our members are growing Halifax

JMS ACCOUNTANT STAFFING LTD. JOINS FORCES WITH INTEGRATED STAFFING LTD.

CHANGES COMING AT LIVEABLE CITIES Despite the challenges that this past year has brought, Liveable Cities has been broadening its horizons. A division of LED Roadway Lighting Ltd. the company has recently moved its offices to 84 Chain Lake Drive, Unit #403 in Bayers Lake and has become a corporate partner of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for 2021. In lines of production,

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Liveable Cities has been expanding its smart city microsensor collection, providing cities of all sizes methods for detecting speed, noise and air-quality issues and providing critical data to support community decision-makers. To learn more about the company and its products, visit Liveable Cities at www. liveablecities.com.

BUSINESS VOICE

JMS Accountant Staffing Ltd. joined fellow recruiter Integrated Staffing Ltd. With a focus on accounting and administrative recruitment combined with deep roots in industrial and operational recruitment, they are the perfect match to further meet clients’ needs. Integrated Staffing Ltd. has operations in Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, St. John’s and Charlottetown, while Accountant Staffing currently assists clients in Nova Scotia with plans to expand to new territories. The collective team looks forward to providing the best recruitment services for clients across Atlantic Canada.

EQUESTRIAN DAY CAMP STARTING FOR YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES Did you know that 37 per cent of children and youth with disabilities never take part in organized physical activities, compared to 10 per cent of those without disabilities? Easter Seals Nova Scotia launched a new Take PART (Physically Accessibly Recreation Today) program. It’s an inclusive equestrian training day camp offered in partnership with Rocky Hollow Ranch. The three-hour camp takes place daily for one week and is available for children ages six to 15 with a physical and/ or cognitive disability. All activities are adjusted to the ability of the participants and implemented by staff trained in Assisted Equestrian Techniques. Learn more at www. easterseals.ns.ca

NEWSMAKERS

MC ADVISORY OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES MC Advisory, a new boutique consulting firm, officially launched to support the acceleration of Atlantic Canadian businesses and public sectors. MC Advisory blends global and local experience as well as a passion for the success of Atlantic Canada. MC Advisory has the ability to leverage its affiliation to leading Canadian law firm McInnes Cooper. They collaborate when beneficial to offer clients an integrated and seamless transition between deep and relevant advisory expertise and best in-class legal service.

MC Advisory launched with three practice areas: Business Growth & Legacy, People & Culture and Public & Social Sector.

SYMPLICITY DESIGNS LAUNCHES SYMPLI WORKS

DISCOVER NATURE CLOSE TO HOME! Ever wondered what birds, plants and other neat species are in Halifax? The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) welcomed volunteers for its Big Backyard Bioblitz between July 26 and August 2. Volunteers got a chance to channel their photography skills by taking photos of plants and animals on trails, parks or in their own

backyard. By downloading the free iNaturalist app to mobile devices, they were able to upload photos to the platform. NCC also encouraged them to invite friends, family and fellow outdoor enthusiasts to start discovering.

Visit www.natureconservancy. ca for more info and to join NCC in identifying and helping conserve Canada’s nature!

The pandemic has forced everyone to put a lot into perspective. For small business leaders, Symplicity Designs recognized this trying time meant much more time working IN businesses than ON businesses. That’s why its organizational designers have developed a self-driven, online training course, Sympli Works, to give small and micro businesses the strategies and must-use methodologies required to grow and innovate. With three courses already launched – Scaling your Value, Managing Sales with Purpose, and the Boss’s Guide to HR – Sympli Works can help businesses take the next step. Visit M2M Marketplace for an exclusive Chamber member offer on Sympli Works.

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NEWSMAKERS

GBBA WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS The Greater Burnside Business Association (GBBA) welcomed five new Board members at its May 2021 AGM. Greg Williams, Jan MacAuley, Pam McFarlane, Kevin Awalt and Bruce Eisan joined a team of six other Board members from across HRM to serve the needs of 1,500 businesses and 30,000 employees in Burnside. GBBA is a volunteer organization that promotes, supports and advocates for businesses and organizations within the Burnside Business Park, Canada’s largest industrial park east of Montreal––a major HRM economic driver.

TELUS ACQUIRES ADT, PROVIDING AROUND THE CLOCK SECURITY TELUS has acquired ADT Canada to ensure state-of-the-art convenience, control and safety services continue to be provided and supported by a Canadian company that prioritizes privacy and security. ADT pioneered the concept of around-the-clock central monitoring and the first automated burglar system as well as introducing interactive services. With this acquisition, TELUS has combined a trusted security and automation company with a fast and reliable mobile network.

NEW DESIGNS AT FOX HARB’R RESORT UNDERWAY

Are you launching a new business or product?

Celebrating a new partnership?

Hired new staff?

Fox Harb’r Resort is undergoing interior design changes. The Willard lounge, Northumberland conference room, Dolas Spa, Executive Suites, Studio Suites, Cape Cliff Dining Room and the new Gold Manor suites are part of Pam Tower’s and Nicole LeBlanc’s project to revamp the resort.

The latest project, updating the 14

interior décor at Founder’s Lodge, includes more modern custom furnishing, area rugs, lamps and paint colours to enhance the traditional architecture of the home. By combining functional and esthetic embellishments, the project creates an amazing home for a perfect retreat for future entertaining!

BUSINESS VOICE

The Halifax Chamber invites you to share your Members in the News story in Business Voice. Upload your content here: halifaxchamber.com/businessvoice *Note: we do not publish event promotions.

NEWSMAKERS

HALIFAX BUSKER FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY The Halifax Busker Festival returned for the first time since the pandemic. The festival showcased performances on the waterfront, featuring Nova Scotian musicians and amazing magicians from July 31 to August 2. “We were pleased to announce these free outdoor performances,” said Event Producer Kim Hendrickson. “Having large busker-circle shows with international performers can’t happen at this time, but by creating a single outdoor stage, the festival provided the entertainment fans have been craving, while maintaining social distancing.” The Halifax Buskers Festival producers thank all their sponsors and public for their support and dedication to the festival.

CPA CANADA PROVIDING FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES CPA Canada has developed a suite of free small business financial resources. Consisting of online print publications, webinars and podcasts, the materials cover topics ranging from planning and strategy to managing money resources. The comprehensive series provides small businesses with the tools needed to help them navigate through the pandemic, by managing and planning for the future. These resources were made possible by the support of the Government of Ontario. Details can be found here.

APPLY TODAY

SONA TEAMS UP WITH BBB ATLANTIC SONA is the newest Affinity Partner for Merchant Services with the Better Business Bureau. With a list of over 2,000 accredited businesses, BBBA represents a tremendous opportunity for the company to continue building merchant-service offerings in Atlantic Canada and beyond. SONA focuses on

AUGUST 2021

building strong relationships filled with trust. When it forms partnerships with like-minded businesses and associations like the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and its members such as the BBB, the team feels confident that they are providing the very best to the companies who choose to work with them.

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COVER STORY

INSIDE A GOLD MINE AND UNDER THE OCEAN

Mining an endless ocean of opportunities

by Mina Atia

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ova Scotia is home to a growing population, an increasingly diverse culture, boasts some of the world’s best beaches and lobster, and to support all of this, a rich resource economy.

Operating inland in Nova Scotia for over 15 years, Atlantic Gold was acquired by St Barbara Ltd in 2019.

The Australian based company was founded in 1969 and is a gold producer and explorer. Through its acquisition, the company made an investment worth $722 million in Canada and in the province’s mining industry.

“We believe that Nova Scotia has great promise as a viable, attractive place to do business both in the country and in North America,” says Craig Jetson, St Barbara CEO. “We are a growing gold company with a global outlook.

Every day we live by our company commitments to safety, empowering people and diverse teams, building stronger communities, respecting the environment and growing sustainably.”

Two of St Barbara’s commitments are respecting the environment and growing sustainably. “We take those commitments very seriously and our staff makes every effort to effectively manage our operations to ensure we have as little impact on our surrounding environment as possible,” says Jetson. “In the rare instance that we do have an impact, we work with regulators and the community to ensure any impacts are addressed and remediated.”

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The mining industry is at a very interesting point in the world, in the country and in the Province of Nova Scotia.

“It is clear that our industry needs to make a greater effort to reduce our overall carbon footprint and play a part in lower CO2 emissions,” says Jetson. “For St Barbara’s part, we have made a company-wide commitment to being carbon neutral by 2050, however, our Atlantic Operations will lead the way with a much earlier target.”

Gold mining as an industry creates heated discussions from those concerned about the surrounding environment. “I appreciate those who have questions and concerns that can be addressed and answered by studying impacts and providing qualified scientific data,” says Jetson.

“The Province of Nova Scotia and Canada must grow and develop. Resource extraction, completed with the greatest respect for protecting the environment, will play a role in successfully developing Nova Scotia’s rural economy.”

Building stronger communities is another commitment of St Barbara’s, and the team lives by it every day–– more so after the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic became clearer. “We focus our work in the communities around our current and proposed operations in three areas: poverty prevention, improving the health of local residents, especially seniors, and bettering educational outcomes of the youngest members of our communities,” says Jetson.

BUSINESS VOICE

CONTRIBUTED

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Existing businesses in the Musquodoboit area will gladly tell you of the added revenue generation and employment created by our operations. The Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is an area that needs growth and opportunity, and St Barbara wants to be one of the companies that creates the conditions for the area to succeed."

— Craig Jetson, CEO, St Barbara

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BUSINESS VOICE

COVER STORY

Prior to St Barbara’s acquisition of Atlantic Gold, the company’s focus was already in these areas, but it has taken those efforts a step further.

in spending that flows into the local and Canadian marketplace to buy goods and services to support mining operations.

“Our company has kept positive relationships with groups focused on reducing poverty and providing access to items required to do so,” says Jetson. “We have supported local food banks and other community groups supporting lowincome families.”

For the more-difficult-to-quantify indirect benefits, St Barbara was able to put them into perspective. The staff, travelling roundtrips every day for their jobs, create economic growth and, most importantly, economic opportunity. “We really look for partners including local residents, business associations and non-government groups to support those who see a future for themselves in the economic activity created by our mining operations,” says Jetson.

Moreover, the company has made major donations to local hospitals and seniors’ homes. In the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nova Scotia team reached out to senior homes in the communities, where they operate, and asked how they can help. The result is the fostering of strong and enduring relationships that will last for many years to come.

“The industry, St Barbara included, must do more to recognize and acknowledge the role of First Nations communities in the stewardship of the land in the province and around our operations,” says Jetson.

Creating closer relationships with Canada’s First Nations based on respect, transparency and mutual benefit should be a priority for all businesses that rely on the country’s natural resources, such as St Barbara.

“Our company also has made a commitment to supporting youth and graduates in the communities where we operate to achieve their dreams,” says Jetson. “Having the opportunity and ability to achieve one’s goals is important to youth and young adults in Nova Scotia.”

“Existing businesses in the Musquodoboit area will gladly tell you of the added revenue generation and employment created by our operations. The Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia is an area that needs growth and opportunity, and St Barbara wants to be one of the companies that creates the conditions for the area to succeed.”

Aside from existing operations at Moose River, St Barbara has three more gold mine projects in various stages of the federal and provincial government permitting process: Beaver Dam, Fifteen Mile Stream and Cochrane Hill. The federal and provincial permitting process is a stringent one based in science. “We are working within that process to create the best mine site that we possibly can,” says Jetson.

“From my time working both globally and locally within Nova Scotia, the province must decide what role the mining industry plays in creating opportunity and prosperity in the rural areas of the province.”

St Barbara is part of providing that opportunity, no matter where the graduates of today plan to explore tomorrow.

The company has worked with local schools and schoolrelated groups to provide bursaries and supports to students looking to make their future in Nova Scotia and beyond.

The team at St Barbara believes in a stringent and consistent regulatory regime for mining in the province.

It needs provincial government decisions to provide consistent regulatory environment for companies to grow and create additional opportunity.

Providing many lucrative benefits, Nova Scotia’s mining industry’s main economic contributions are provided directly by St Barbara. “For example, at our current mine in Moose River, Nova Scotia, we employ over 300 local residents and our annual payroll tops over $25 million,” says Jetson. The company generates millions of dollars

“We want to provide opportunity while meeting or exceeding every regulation of the provincial and federal governments,” says Jetson. “There is an opportunity for the Province of Nova Scotia, the communities around our operations and St Barbara employees to grow and prosper together.”

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COVER STORY

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Heading oceanside, Canada has the longest coastline in the world, spanning over 240 thousand kilometres. With that comes an ocean territory of 7.1 million kilometres, making up 70 per cent of Canada’s landmass. Nationally, the Canadian ocean economy employs over 300,000 people, contributes 31 billion dollars to the economy annually, and it’s expected to yield a five-to-one return on investment in sustainable ocean economy for the next 30 years.

One of four Ocean Supercluster Projects is a group of allies who are accessing, engaging and supporting a diverse ocean economy. Amongst them is the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE). The centre was instrumental in the proposal and establishment of the supercluster.

“The world is investing in and has recognized the value of the ocean economy,” says Melanie Nadeau, Chief Executive Officer of COVE. “It is the largest ecosystem on earth, the main food source for half of the world’s population, and over three billion people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods.”

“The annual economic value of the sustainable oceanbased economy, also known as the blue economy, is about CAD $3 trillion, equivalent to the world’s 7th largest economy.”

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Since its inception in 2016, COVE has created the globally relevant ocean innovation cluster to drive ocean technology commercialization from right here in Halifax. Ocean technology ranges from the growth of start-ups and scaleups into resilient small and medium-sized businesses, to talent development and specific programming to accelerate the commercialization of new products and services.

The provincial world-class ocean innovation ecosystem is growing at a globally unique pace with COVE as its industrial growth hub. The ocean tech sector alone generates over $1 billion to the provincial economy. Hence why COVE is central to many facets of the ecosystem such as the Ocean Frontiers Institute (OFI), Creative Destruction Lab, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, the Canadian Navy and the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

“We are building a high-value, high-tech industry based on our ocean advantage and ability to innovate,” says Nadeau.

“We must keep pace, as there’s a global recognition of the value of the sector and the blue economy, in particular.”

COVE is anchored by the national shipbuilding strategy: An $80 billion dollar investment over the next 25 years. It’s a tremendous opportunity to create a growth sector in Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region. With such growth, there is capacity to create opportunities for talent to remain in the

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COVER STORY

COVE championed the value of collaboration among industry players, academia and government; named global relevance as a starting point; and galvanized the energy and enthusiasm of SME leaders. Moreover, the Ocean Supercluster has provided funding to many businesses seeking to develop new products and services, and it elevated the importance of the ocean as an economic driver for Canadians.”

— Melanie Nadeau, Chief Executive Officer, COVE

region, while attracting people from all over the world to work and live in Halifax.

“Bringing together people, ideas, industry and research, COVE enables our community and members to work in new ways by creating the world’s next practical, commercial, sustainable and revolutionary ocean tech advances across five sectors,” says Nadeau.

The sectors form part of the ocean economy including defence and security, fisheries and aquaculture, marine tourism, offshore energy and marine transportation.

“Across these sectors, we focus on applied innovation by connecting talent, physical and natural assets, and programming to sustainably use ocean resources for inclusive economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem,” says Nadeau.

Enabling a stronger blue economy, COVE maintains a global network of more than two thousand companies, venture capital firms, innovation hubs, research institutes and government leaders. The central hub for ocean tech innovation, where ventures come to grow, collaborates with over 40 active partnerships nationally and abroad to provide services and leadership.

“As part of our Workforce Initiative program, we have many programs for youth across Canada to engage in the sector and have our curated internship program for new graduates,” says Nadeau. “We are expanding our programming to include mid-career professionals that have a keen interest in moving into the sector.”

“We also have partnerships with many organizations to identify pathways to jobs within the sector, increasing our reach to ensure that inclusivity and diversity is a part of all our programming efforts.”

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The Ocean Connector is currently streamed on a virtual platform with plans to return to in-person format soon.

COVE offers many other networking opportunities, including a monthly event called the Ocean Connector, where CEOs, sector leaders, government officials and students gather to learn about projects and innovations in the ocean sector, as well as career opportunities.

“COVE championed the value of collaboration among industry players, academia and government; named global relevance as a starting point; and galvanized the energy and enthusiasm of SME leaders,” says Nadeau. “Moreover, the Ocean Supercluster has provided funding to many businesses seeking to develop new products and services, and it elevated the importance of the ocean as an economic driver for Canadians.”

Naturally, COVE is well-positioned to be one of many leaders in driving the sustainable use of the ocean. By doing so, the centre can progress food harvest, energy generation, goods transportation, service provision and legacy industries’ digital transformation.

“We have access to a highly skilled workforce, a 13-thousand-kilometre coastline and are situated along the eastern seaboard of North America,” says Nadeau. “We have an active cluster of ocean-related businesses and research activity and a never-before seen investment in the region, but we need an acknowledgement, leadership and action to position the ocean as a focal growth engine for our economy.”

“Now is the time to recognize the opportunity before us and accelerate the growth of this sector.” ■ The Halifax Chamber is hosting An Ocean of Opportunity on September 15––a discussion with leaders at the forefront of the ocean industry in Nova Scotia––to take a deep dive into the potential of the blue economy.

BUSINESS VOICE

BECOME A MEMBER

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SPECIAL FEATURE

The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow What it means to be a true ally

M

TUCKER BOTTOMLEY AND GABE SQUALOR ARE THE CO-OWNERS OF OUTLAW COUNTRY TATTOO, HALIFAX'S FIRST QUEER TATTOO SHOP.

any Halifax businesses participate in Pride month every July and show their support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The support ranges from marching in a parade with a giant float, changing their logos or selling a rainbow themed line of merchandise to generating fundraisers, displaying inclusive advertising or simply putting a rainbow flag up in their shop window.

“It’s painting our history and culture in this fantasy, which seems to have turned our struggle and story into a capitalistic brand that’s being constantly exploited,” says Gabe Squalor, Co-Owner of Outlaw Country Tattoo. “And I think as queer people, who are really into educating ourselves on queer history, where we come from and what we need, we feel it’s very complicated talking about rainbow washing.”

To some, this is a phenomenal way to drive forward change, acceptance and inclusion for queer people in the city and province. For others, it’s simply another example of rainbow washing for the sake of profiteering and corporate clout.

“I'm not always offended by a rainbow flag in somebody's window. I appreciate some form of support and visibility,” says Squalor. “But it’s a complicated feeling because these corporations have a further reach than we do, by a longshot, and can do a heck of a lot more.”

What’s rainbow washing? It’s using or adding rainbow colors and/or imagery to products, material, and/or promotions.

This signals progressive support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but at times it can be performative. It can earn consumer credibility but little to no effort or tangible results for queer people’s benefit.

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By Mina Atia

These mixed emotions stem from the dividing opinions on how opportunistic rainbow washing can be. It has been a topic of contention for a while now, but this year gained a lot of traction online. Some organizations, mainly big corporations, are profiteering from BUSINESS VOICE

2SLGBTQIA+ products, jumping on the rainbow-washing bandwagon. And there are questions about the true intent and authenticity behind their campaigns and the support they offer.

“I think big corporations should continue to fund pride,” says Squalor. “However, I think that they should take a step back from how they use their sponsorship platforms and should rework their values and understanding around what Pride is and means.”

“They need to be giving more money, taking less and not profiting off of pride,” says Tucker Bottomley, Co-owner of Outlaw Country Tattoo.

On one hand, it’s amazing that many corporations are showing their pride during Pride. It’s great that there is so much visibility. On the other hand, it can be rather tokenizing of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in search for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

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Differing opinions on rainbowwashing “To me personally as a human, rainbowwashing looks like any organization or government entity that claims they are gay friendly when they really don’t like you,” says Liane Khoury, QTBIPOC Community Committee Lead, Halifax Pride.

“So, I look at their policies, who they're hiring, and if the CEO is giving money to anti-LGBTQ causes, then why are they at Pride? Why do they want to be here? For me, that's the biggest issue.”

Putting a rainbow up for one month every year is not allyship – it's marketing.

Rainbow washing allows organizations that don't do tangible work to support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities at any other time during the year, to showcase a rainbow for Pride month and call themselves allies.

“Halifax has a history of being against Pride, but we have reconciled since then,” says Khoury. “Now, I'm on the Halifax Pride board, trying to do all the progressive work and reduce rainbowwashing practices.”

with a meaningful history, its usage has become so generic and watered down that people and organizations can use it to claim “allyship” without addressing or even thinking about the issues the flag represents.

If a corporation sells Pride stuff, they better be asking permission, giving 50 per cent of the profit to the artists/creators, and using the lion's share of the rest to give back to the rainbow community or a BLM organization in their area."

— Jay Aaron Roy, Owner, Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles

The problem with the rainbow flag today is, despite it being a beautiful symbol

“If a corporation sells Pride stuff, they better be asking permission, giving 50 per cent of the profit to the artists/creators, and using the lion's share of the rest to give back to the rainbow community or a BLM organization in their area,” says Jay Aaron Roy, Owner, Cape and Cowl Comics and Collectibles.

“We must pay attention and support the people doing the work now, and use our privileges to speak up for marginalized folks. Because now is when it matters.”

The business community needs to hold ourselves to a higher standard of allyship where 2SLGBTQIA+ people are genuinely supported and recognized. Yet at the same time, this band-wagoning of social rights to make profit is seen by some as necessary before the genuine intent to support. For example, even if one child sees a commercial with the rainbow flag and decides it is okay to be part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, that rainbow-washed advertisement was worth it.

HALIFAX PRIDE ORGANIZES A NUMBER OF LARGE AND SMALL SCALE EVENTS, ENGAGING ACTIVELY WITH VARIOUS QUEER GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO SUPPORT THEM IN THE PLANNING OF THEIR OWN EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES.

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Organizations jumping onto the band wagon does have impact, and it can be even more impactful by having a consistent message of inclusion and support 12 months of the year.

2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion should be a fundamental element of any organization all day, every day – and not just during Pride.

“To be an ally, you must know the history of Pride,” says Khoury. “You must know Pride started as a protest and how we got to where we are today.”

“You need to recognize that Black and Latina trans women of colour started the Stonewall uprising as a response to police brutality; to think about what it means to be from an underrepresented and repressed community that police targets all the time.”

“Most importantly, to think about what they have had to overcome to get us to where we are today!”

Listening to and working with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities The role of organizations during Pride month is to be true allies. They shouldn’t center themselves in the conversation, but rather amplify the voices of those most marginalized and who may otherwise go unheard––more specifically queer people of color.

“A true ally is someone who understands that they'll never know everything and will never finish learning,” says Squalor.

“It’s someone willing to do the learning on their own but understands they'll never be an expert.”

“They are willing to give a little extra space for queer people, share resources and also understands that queer people are complex in themselves too.”

This can include organizations passing over their social media platforms to 2SLGBTQIA+ creators for a day or host a panel discussion on an under-served topic in front of a large audience. Being a true ally means lifting up and amplifying the voices of those in the community, rather than giving their own opinions.

Moreover, organizations––especially powerful ones––can be active allies in growing the prosperity of the 26

THE COMIC BOOK STORE CAPE & COWL HAS AMAZING COLLECTIBLES AND LOCALLY MADE ONE-OF-A-KIND ART. THE SHOP IS MORE THAN JUST A SPACE; IT HELPS CONNECT THE COMMUNITY AND REFLECT ON ITS DIVERSITY.

True allies can recognize when it's the right time to ask questions and when it's the right time to just do their own research. Personally, when I'm learning about a new subject I would rather ask someone, but those aren't always things that you should be asking others because you don't want to take their labor. Allies should be willing to do their own research.”

— Tucker Bottomley, Co-owner, Outlaw Country Tattoo BUSINESS VOICE

2SLGBTQIA+ community and rights.

They can use their privilege and financial prowess to highlight queer activists.

“Some allies are often seen as this political movement and kind of influencer type people, so they're shocked and surprised when we fall flat on certain issues or if we mess up or say the wrong thing,” says Squalor. “They're shocked and can't believe a queer person could make mistakes just like everybody else, but we are just like everybody else: complex and sometimes not going to be right.”

“True allies can recognize when it's the right time to ask questions and when it's the right time to just do their own research,” says Bottomley. “Personally, when I'm learning about a new subject I would rather ask someone, but those aren't always things that you should be asking others because you don't want to take their labor. Allies should be willing to do their own research.”

Additionally, if organizations are selling Pride merchandise and giving the profits to an organization like the Youth Project

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and/or making sure they’re hiring/ supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ employees, that’s a good-faith effort and true allyship. If it’s only about changing logos on social media or hanging a flag in store fronts to entice queer people to spend their money, that’s when it becomes rainbow-washing.

“I find it incredibly troubling when businesses will not readdress their values and the way that they employ people and treat their employees,” says Squalor.

“But then, they just throw a flag in the front of the shop without really looking at how they might be contributing to the systematic stress that queer people face at work from day to day.”

Outside of Pride month, organizations should feature 2SLGBTQIA+ people in marketing campaigns without rainbows.

They should host events to amplify those historically marginalized voices all year round, as well as highlight important issues and inequalities faced by the community when the topics aren’t trending.

“Otherwise, it's just incredibly performative and trendy,” says Bottomley. “It’s saving face and simply a way to show that they’re down with the

gays by just putting a rainbow in the front of the store and creating some marketing promotions.”

Building inclusive business environments All the while, are organizations working to educate, support and address the work they need to do on behalf of the queer community? Many community members view these organizations as accepting, inclusive, welcoming and caring. In addition, they appreciate the effort and are grateful for the 365-days-a-year support.

“Pride is not just a month, or a parade.

Pride can be joyful, but it is also heavy.

It’s 24/7, 365 days,” says Roy. “Pride is liberation, hard work, a movement and to be respected.”

If an organization signals its pro2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives only during Pride, there’s a good chance the support is just a marketing strategy to look good and make profits. However, if it is repeatedly discussing internal 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives, volunteering with local queer organizations and financially contributing to them on a regular basis, there’s a much better chance its rainbow boasting is authentic.

“True allyship is when a person finds peace in setting aside their ego. It’s wanting to lift up and support the rainbow community without wanting a pat on the back,” says Roy. “It’s about listening and stepping up to defend queer people against bullies and bigots.

“A true ally doesn't stress about being corrected and introduces themselves in new groups with their pronouns to break the ice and make it easier for others.”

Being a true ally for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community is hard work. It includes repeated, consistent efforts to ensure a company’s internal culture, marketing campaigns and goals are aligned.

Organizations that undertake these initiatives and strive to reach these ideals should be the only ones displaying the rainbow flag.

“Think about all the different policies within an organization that could discriminate against queer and trans folks, for example banks,” says Khoury.

“They are usually prominent at Pride, because it's very much performative, in my opinion.”

“They have all these queer and trans employees to showcase their inclusivity,

CONTRIBUTED: HALIFAX PRIDE

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CANADA’S LGBTQ+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (CGLCC) HELPS COUNTER THE CHALLENGES THAT QUEER FOLKS FACE IN THE CORPORATE WORLD. ITS GOAL IS TO CREATE AN INCLUSIVE CANADIAN ECONOMY WHERE 2SLGBTQIA+ BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS ENJOY THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES AS OTHER BUSINESSES.

but they also have these policies where trans people can't change their name on their bank accounts.”

Organizations like Canada’s LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) help counter the challenges that queer folks face in the corporate world. CGLCC’s goal is to create an inclusive Canadian economy where 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses and entrepreneurs enjoy the same opportunities as other businesses.

“It is absolutely essential that corporations implement diversity and inclusion efforts into their business operations. One way to do this is our Supplier Diversity Program,” says Ryan Nearing, Manager, Membership & Supplier Diversity, CGLCC. “Our Supplier Diversity Program works to fill the tables of progressive organizations looking to diversify their supply chains with innovative LGBTQ+ certified suppliers who can competitively meet their purchasing needs.”

It is absolutely essential that corporations implement diversity and inclusion efforts into their business operations. One way to do this is our Supplier Diversity Program.”

— Ryan Nearing, Manager, Membership & Supplier Diversity, CGLCC.

An increased demand for diverse supply chains in both the private and 28

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public sector highlights the need for programs like the Supplier Diversity Program. The CGLCC works to promote inclusive procurement practices among contracting authorities to assure buyers that potential suppliers have an equitable chance within supply chain competition.

“Simply put, supplier diversity is an opportunity to implement diversity and inclusion best practices into general business operations,” says Nearing. “This is how you can truly and sustainably contribute to economic empowerment of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.”

On the small business side, some of these businesses are community staples, loved by their communities. They are community hubs and donate to local fundraisers, create true safe spaces, understand worker's rights and support marginalized communities.

“Queer bars, bookshops, cafés, and flower shops, and more that make our community so vibrant and special are part of what we celebrate: each other!” says Roy. “Small businesses aren't in it to show off, or get that pat on the

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back. They are there to work, running events, being on boards of directors, doing organization work, helping people navigate programming, creating more accessible venues, and showing representation for the youth who are watching.”

At the same time, other small businesses in the community have some or a lot more work to do. “I feel small businesses can do better and be more representative with their diverse workforce,” says Khoury.

“In instances, I tend to support more local ones who are queer owned or who are QTBIPOC owned and give them my money; rather than going to people who don't want to create change or not wanting to listen to people who are being critical of certain policies, actions or advertisements.”

Rainbow-washing’s real impact How can businesses of all sizes manage Pride month appropriately and supportively? It’s all about longerterm support of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Generally, if organizations are genuinely supportive of queer people, it’s not difficult to find how and where their support goes.

“Look at who is at the table and leading organizational policies,” says Khoury.

“Do they have trans folks in managerial postings or do they have anyone who's representing BIPOC folks? Do they have African Nova Scotians in upper management? Who is able to access those policies? Are they cis white male folks?”

Furthermore, look into whether the support is year-round, transparent and measurable; do they uplift 2SLGBTQIA+ employees; are their policies aligned with UN standards of conduct; are they addressing community issues and taking feedback seriously; do they offer paid opportunities for queer folks; and are they speaking up about anti2SLGBTQIA+ policies and misconduct.

“It's easier with smaller businesses to recognize if they're a true ally or not, or if they're truly making a difference within their small business,” says Bottomley.

“Because it's so much more intimate and less complex.”

Ultimately, organizations need to be walking the talk. The standard for approval from 2SLGBTQIA+ communities has been consistently rising year over year. Rainbow washing just doesn’t cut it anymore.

“We're seeing younger generations wanting to partake less and less in Pride because of how corporate it has become,” says Squalor. “But it's fundamentally so important that it exists in the first place.”

Organizations should not completely retire the rainbow logo next year.

Instead, they should double down by leading with long-term tangible actions, demonstrating authentic commitment to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and exuding true allyship between now and Pride 2022. These steps will lead to the real pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. ■ This year, the Halifax Pride festival is radiating RESILIENCE. The festival is finding strength in its surrounding community, especially with the past year and its many challenges. Halifax Pride will be taking the time to celebrate, reflect and process what has been achieved and learned. They’re encouraging the community to share its pride and resilience by radiating it from August 12 to 22. #radiateRESILIENCE

CONTRIBUTED: HALIFAX PRIDE

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PROFILE

Ride and fight!

Riding to raise awareness and funds for cancer research

O

ne in two Atlantic Canadians are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Among over 200 different types of cancer, two tumors or diagnoses are rarely ever the same.

At the QEII Health Sciences Centre, identifying the most targeted and effective treatments for cancer patients is a top priority.

In effort to raise awareness and funds to support cancer research, Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal was introduced in 2015. The home-grown event, solely managed and operated by the team at the QEII Foundation, is the largest cycling fundraiser in Atlantic Canada.

“The key to this event’s success is the incredible community support behind it,” says Dianne MacDonald, Development Manager, Special Events & Partnerships, QEII Foundation and Event Manager, 30

By Mina Atia

CONTRIBUTED: QEII FOUNDATION

Ride for Cancer powered by BMO Bank of Montreal.

“Cancer rates are continuing to rise and there will always be a need to raise critical funds to ensure we have the best treatment options for all Atlantic Canadians.”

Ride has grown over six hundred per cent in capacity in the past six years, and it’s now annually raising ten times the amount it raised in its inaugural year.

The Ride community has raised over $4.08 million to transform cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre.

Delivering world-class care to address some of the country’s highest cancer rates, the QEII Health Sciences Centre is the largest specialized cancer care centre for Atlantic Canadians.

“Ride for Cancer is a catalyst behind BUSINESS VOICE

funding new cancer fighting technology and equipment at the QEII, ensuring Nova Scotians have access to the best treatment options available right here at home,” says Margaret Chapman, Ride for Cancer Chair. “For patients and families in Nova Scotia, this means more time at home focusing on what matters most.”

Ride for Cancer has quickly become Atlantic Canada’s premiere fundraising event. While most events have a shelf life, Ride continues to grow year over year with no sign of it slowing down anytime soon.

“In 2020, we had a record-breaking year and surpassed our 1-million-dollar goal, raising over $1.3 million to bring breast seed brachytherapy to the QEII,” says Chapman. “And what makes Ride so unique is that all funds raised by the event stay right here in Nova Scotia to transform local cancer care.”

PROFILE

A former and stand-out Ride for Cancer fundraiser, Jody Crane took his love for cycling to literal new heights on his already booked trip to Hawaii. The US island’s Mauna Kea Volcano is not only the world’s tallest mountain but is also considered the most extreme cycling climb.

“The climb is 68.4 kilometres and goes from sea level to approximately 13,800 feet,” says Crane, Dalhousie University employee and small-business owner of Brooklyn Audio Inc. “I was on this challenge regardless, so why not support a good cause at the same time?”

Ride for Cancer offers a virtual Ride option for anyone dedicated to the fight against cancer and participating solely as a fundraiser. For Crane, this was a fantastic alternative since his Hawaii trip overlapped with event day.

“I got creative when it came to my fundraising,” says Crane. “I started with the simple asks within my personal network of friends and family members, but then moved to my business network.”

I got creative when it came to my fundraising.

I started with the simple asks within my personal network of friends and family members, but then moved to my business network. I started emailing customers I’ve worked with over the years, and from there I emailed distributors I work closely with and also my connections at Dalhousie.”

— Jody Crane, Ride for Cancer Fundraiser

“I started emailing customers I’ve worked with over the years, and from there I emailed distributors I work closely with and also my connections at Dalhousie.”

In addition to reaching out to his network, Crane also had small auctions on donated items, sold chocolate bars and even used an old deck of cards to his advantage. “I had a deck of cards and if you purchased a card, I ripped it in two and threw one half into a hat,” he says.

“Once all the cards were purchased, I drew for a 50/50 winner.”

Riding even further, Crane reached out to different companies he worked with and asked the storage company he was renting from at the time for support. “I was advertising my side business with a website company and asked when I advertise with them next, if they would give me $150 off my cost and donate that towards Ride for Cancer,” he says. “And I asked if I could take my rent and donate it to the event on behalf of the company.”

Besides being Ride for Cancer’s top virtual fundraiser, Crane was also one of

CONTRIBUTED: QEII FOUNDATION

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PROFILE

last year amid a global pandemic,” says Chapman. “And because of the trust and confidence we built in our Ride community, we had record-breaking registration in 2021, and sold the event out five months prior to event day.

The safe and successful 2020 event was executed through a staggered start format to keep event grounds capacity low. A COVID-19 pre-screening process, increased sanitization stations, encouraged mask wearing and social distancing protocols all contributed to the event’s seamless transition and success. The event’s adaptation will continue to comply with current Provincial Government protocols, abiding by any restrictions that will be in place at the next event.

“This year it will be like last year, but we are hoping to be able to reintroduce our finish line celebration festival, where our participants will be able to gather and celebrate after accomplishing the extraordinary,” says MacDonald. “Our Riders deserve it!”

On October 2, 2021, over 1,300 riders, including veteran cyclists, recreational and rookie riders, will ride their choice of distance options via the Rum Runners Trail or by the road along the picturesque South Shore of Nova Scotia.

CONTRIBUTED: QEII FOUNDATION

the 2017 event’s top overall fundraisers, raising a record-breaking $13,255. It’s a great testament to his efforts, dedication, and unparalleled commitment to help support the fight against cancer.

“This year marks our seventh event, and we already have big things planned for next year!” says Chapman.

In 2021, Ride for Cancer is leading the charge to introduce new cancer-fighting genetic sequencing technology at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. They’re already on track to raise over $1.5 million to bring this new state-of-the-art technology home.

“Better outcomes, fewer side effects, 32

access to a new therapy or clinical trial are all benefits this technology brings to cancer patients here in the Maritimes,” says Chapman. “It can even spare patients from unnecessary treatments, and it’s a game-changer for those patients facing late-stage cancers.”

Due to the pandemic, Ride for Cancer established a new event structure and COVID-19 safety protocols last year.

Riders, volunteers, and spectators came together on Ride Day in person. The health and safety of Riders and the community were the event organizers’ top priority.

“We were one of the only events in Canada to be able to execute a stellar and safe event day experience in person

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Businesses can support riders or teams by making a donation to support their Ride. “We have unique sponsorship activation opportunities that will position businesses as leaders in transforming cancer care in our community,” says Chapman. “This event also wouldn’t be possible without the amazing volunteers behind the scenes bringing the magic to life on event day.”

The foundation is recruiting over 200 volunteers for the Volunteer Crew and asking businesses to come forward in helping deliver another rewarding event experience on October 2.

“Our goal is to deliver a safe and epic event experience for our Ride community in 2021,” says MacDonald. “The #WeRideAgain event in 2021 will be in person, rain or shine. And together, we will face the fight against cancer as one united front.”■

TRENDS

'See the emotions of your employees' Why the emotions are the deciding factor in any work environment

For decades we’ve focused on consulting employees, gathering input on what they think and tapping into their ideas to help support innovation. This is great but we have missed another critical facet of life at work: how your employees feel."

JACQUELINE THROOPROBINSON, FOUNDER, SPARK ENGAGEMENT What are employee-engagement surveys typically? At essence, they are opinion surveys. They tell you what your employees think about communications within the company or what they think about their leadership or others’ commitment to quality; but, engagement is an emotion. It’s about how we feel when we are at work. It’s an emotion that describes our overall feeling of our work experience.

At a basic level, is it a positive feeling or a negative feeling? Or perhaps neutral?

For decades we’ve focused on consulting employees, gathering input on what they think and tapping into their ideas to help support innovation. This is great but we have missed another critical facet of life at work: how your employees feel. In fact, we’ve often told employees to “leave their emotions at the door” or have coached employees to be less emotional and more professional when at work.

So, why should leaders want to know about emotions? Because emotions direct decisions. We have been schooled to believe that our rational brain is in the driver’s seat. That is sometimes true, but more often than not, it is our emotional

brain that takes a stand and drives our actions. Many, many experiments have illuminated the aggressive participation of our emotion-driven animal brains in all kinds of decision making (Harvard Business Review, January 2006). This is not news. Neuroscientists have known this for a long time.

However, employee engagement surveys continue to probe for opinions rather than presenting leaders with an emotional profile of their workforce.

When we know how our employees are feeling, and we know what’s generating these emotions, we can respond thoughtfully and with positive impact.

At Spark’d, our science identifies eight dominant emotions that describe how people feel at work. We know what generates these emotions. There are two simple but powerful ingredients that, in different combinations, create either negative emotions: Disconnected, Stagnated, Unfulfilled and Frustrated, or a Neutral feeling; or, if we are lucky, positive feelings: Energized, Engaged and Passionate.

example, very high meaning combined with no sense of progress produces Frustration. We care and we are taking action, but we are not experiencing the forward movement or progress we need to experience the flow of passion.

When we see the emotions of our employees and understand what blocks or supports Meaning and Progress, we can take action and move the dial in significant ways on employee engagement.

When selecting an employee engagement survey, ensure it actually measures emotions rather than strictly opinions and that the data as presented is actionable. Then, you will see great results from your efforts!

What are those two ingredients?

Meaning plus Progress.

When we see our work and career as highly meaningful and we are also experiencing a high sense of progress, we are going to be “in the zone” or passionately engaged.

Anything less than high meaning and progress, produces other emotions. For AUGUST 2021

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WORKING FOR YOU

Amplified Voices wants to be heard What really works when it comes to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion in the workplace

CONTRIBUTED BY KEN PARTRIDGE MANAGING EDITOR AND HEAD OF CONTENT, MY EAST COAST EXPERIENCE MEDIA We support you. We stand with you.

These words, or others like them, were on everyone's lips in the days and weeks following the death of George Floyd. As the Black Lives Matter movement rapidly expanded across the world, all aspects of society wanted to be seen as allies in the struggle for true equality.

It is now more than a year since the tragic events that spurred such an outpouring of support. The question now is whether all those words have resulted in tangible action.

Answering that question, at least in terms of Halifax's business community, is the goal of a new study called Amplified Voices. The study is being conducted by a local partnership between the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Ashanti Leadership and Professional Development Services, My East Coast Experience and Footprint Life Coaching.

The goal is to discover how the local business community understands the needs of an increasingly diverse workforce, and how it's adapting management styles as a result. This information will be gathered via direct conversations with business leaders and shared with the broader community.

“How those with power in society see and value racialized individuals is directly linked to incidents of injustice, mistreatment, and the with-holding of opportunities to participate in the wider society,” says Professor David Divine, founder of Footprint Life Coaching.

“What we are seeking to learn are the lessons local businesses have discovered on what works and what doesn’t. Why did they believe they needed to change in order to address issues of diversity, 34

How those with power in society see and value racialized individuals is directly linked to incidents of injustice, mistreatment, and the with-holding of opportunities to participate in the wider society." — Professor David

Divine, Founder, Footprint Life Coaching equity, and inclusion? What resources did they use? What policies, processes, tools, and structural changes did they implement? Did they work? If not, why not?”

The project fits well with current focus areas of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, which is trying to move the intent of its policies regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion into concrete action.

"The Chamber has long been a champion of diversity but, as many have discovered over the last few years, passive solidarity is not enough," says Chamber President Patrick Sullivan. "We need action. This project is one of many important steps we are taking to ensure our organization is representative of Halifax’s diverse mosaic of businesses.

"We’re eager to tap into our members’ knowledge in engaging with communities of colour. This project will help our members and all businesses in Halifax access information and best practices to better engage with all communities and create a stronger business community."

Many studies were undertaken as a result of the Black Lives Matter movement, mostly focusing on Black communities and Black business. That is a focus the partnership behind Amplified Voices wants to expand.

BUSINESS VOICE

"A rising awareness of Black business was obvious,” says Ifeanyi Emesih, founder and CEO of My East Coast Experience.

“Studies were commissioned, startups were celebrated, and awareness initiatives undertaken, but they all had one thing in common. They all approached things from the perspective of the Black community. That left a huge section of the existing business community unexplored. That is what makes Amplified Voices different. We wanted from the start to find out what is currently happening in the business community in general, then find ways to promote what is working and make it generally accepted, so that communities of colour can be integrated into the business sector regardless of who owns or runs the company."

What currently exists is a patchwork of diversity initiatives across the business community with every organization taking its own approach, if any at all, at trying to find the right balance. What will define success for the Amplified Voices study is if it can find which of these efforts are working and share that information so that other businesses adopt these approaches and achieve real change.

"Central to the Amplified Voices project is creating cultural and organizational change in addressing systemic racism and institutional bias in organizations,” says Ann Divine,

WORKING FOR YOU

founder of Ashanti Leadership and Professional Development Services. “To support leaders and employees in their organizations, challenge themselves to build an inclusive environment, create a sense of belonging where diversity, equity, and inclusion is a reality for everyone regardless of their difference.

Where everyone can express their uniqueness and be a part of the decisionmaking process without judgment."

To support leaders and employees in their organizations, challenge themselves to build an inclusive environment, create a sense of belonging where diversity, equity, and inclusion is a reality for everyone regardless of their difference.

Where everyone can express their uniqueness and be a part of the decisionmaking process without judgment."

— Ann Divine, Founder, Ashanti Leadership and Professional Development Services

“The goal is to create a non-judgemental, safe environment in which businesses and Chamber members feel comfortable sharing their experiences,” David Divine says. “This information can then be shared in an anonymous fashion so other businesses can benefit without having to reinvent the wheel.”

The study seeks to provide insight into such questions as: • How do businesses engage with communities of colour?

• Where are the toolkits to build better relationships?

• How do businesses consider the needs of the communities they work in?

• Are businesses asking communities of colour what they need to flourish?

• Are there some businesses who have successfully addressed reflecting diversity, equity and inclusion into the fabric of their operations and structure? Where are they?

• Can other businesses access their information and practices to learn from them?

• What can businesses do that is genuinely sustainable?

Getting the answer to these questions out to the wider business community is where My East Coast Experience comes into the picture. The company has spearheaded several publishing and event projects aimed at raising awareness of the role played by communities of colour in supporting and sustaining Atlantic communities.

"Our efforts to date have celebrated and raised the awareness of the contributions immigrants make every day to our communities,” Emesih says.

AUGUST 2021

“Amplified Voices is our first effort to look beyond awareness and celebration, to try to find ways for immigrants and other people of colour to become not just part of, but integrated into, our communities. It is only by recognizing the ways in which people of colour are excluded from decision-making that we can start to rectify the situation. We can only achieve true equity and inclusion if everyone is consulted and listened to right from the start."

The participation of the Chamber is seen as critical to the success of the study.

David Divine points out the Chamber represents 1,800 businesses, with more than 93,000 employees. Small business, defined as 25 employees or less, makes up 85 per cent of those businesses. About 80% per cent of those businesses are White-owned, the exact segment the partnership most wants to reach with its research and results.

“The Chamber is thrilled to be working alongside community leaders like Ann and David Divine and the team at My East Coast Experience,” Sullivan says.

“Thanks to our strong relationships, we’re able to share our ideas, work collaboratively, and move this important project forward.”

The study began in June and runs till the end of the year. Results will be published and shared via the partnership to ensure all local businesses, regardless of size, have the opportunity to learn and implement best practices in their operations.

Professor David Divine and Chamber President Patrick Sullivan are available for further information on the project.

You can reach Professor Divine at profdaviddivine@gmail.com or 902430-3591. Patrick Sullivan can be reached at 902-468-7111 or via Abby Tucker at abby@halifaxchamber.com.

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WORKING FOR YOU

The power of supplier diversity Removing barriers for LGBT+ businesses

RYAN NEARING (HE/HIM) MANAGER, MEMBERSHIP AND SUPPLIER DIVERSITY CANADA’S LGBT+ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Canada is home to over 100,000 LGBT+ entrepreneurs. Collectively, our businesses generate $22 billion in economic activity - and employ over 435,000 employees - or the entire population of Halifax.

The profile of LGBT+ entrepreneurs also tends to be quite unique. Compared to the average Canadian businesses, LGBT+ owned businesses are more likely to be self-employed, more likely to be younger entrepreneurs, more likely to serve more domestic markets––and incredibly more likely to employ and work with other diverse-owned businesses.

In other worlds - LGBT+ business is big business. However, significant barriers still remain.

In 2018, Nielsen conducted a landscape study on the state of LGBT+ entrepreneurship in Canada. That study found that one in two LGBT+ businesses have purposely hidden the fact their company has LGBT+ ownership. One in three believe they have lost opportunities because of their businesses’ LGBT+ ownership - and three in 10 have faced discrimination.

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Compared to the average Canadian businesses, LGBT+ owned businesses are more likely to be selfemployed, more likely to be younger entrepreneurs, more likely to serve more domestic markets––and incredibly more likely to employ and work with other diverse-owned businesses."

These barriers are preventing LGBT+ entrepreneurs from fully participating in the Canadian economy - which is detrimental particularly as we continue to recover from COVID-19.

Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) works to reduce those barriers.

Established in 2003, we are a membership driven, broad-based coalition of LGBT+ businesses and entrepreneurs, allies, government liaisons, corporate members, community partners, and students of business collectively advocating for and working towards a more inclusive Canadian economy - one connection at a time.

Our general membership is open to both individuals and businesses - as well as members of and allies to the LGBT+ community. This big tent approach allows us to create the broadest coalition possible advancing LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship in Canada.

BUSINESS VOICE

From our general membership, there is an opportunity to participate in any of our four streamlined programs including our Supplier Diversity Program. Our Supplier Diversity Program works to fill the tables of progressive organizations looking to diversify their supply chains with innovative LGBT+ certified suppliers who can competitively meet their purchasing needs.

CGLCC acts as Canada’s certifying body for LGBT+ owned businesses. This means we certify Canadian, for-profit entities that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a member of the LGBT+ community as LGBT+ certified suppliers - or LGBT+ Business Enterprise (LGBTBE).

Then, we connect these LGBT+ certified suppliers with corporate and government members who are actively looking to diversify their supply chains with more underrepresented groups.

Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is also a member of a broader coalition, called Supplier Diversity Alliance Canada (SDAC). Each SDAC member (WBE Canada, the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council, and Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada) certify Canadian, for-profit entities from their respective constituencies––connecting them with purchasing and procurement opportunities.

Simply put - supplier diversity is an opportunity to implement diversity and inclusion best practices into general business operations. This is how you can truly and sustainably contribute to economic empowerment of the LGBT+ community.

We also work very closely with corporations across Canada to advance and champion internal diversity and inclusion efforts. Specifically, this includes our Rainbow Registered LGBT+ Friendly Accreditation Program.

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Not only is having LGBT+ friendly policies in your company the right thing to do – it’s also good for business.

So, what does it mean to be rainbow registered?

Rainbow Registered is a national accreditation for LGBT+ friendly businesses and organizations. When you see a Rainbow Registered symbol, you know the business or organization meets a stringent set of standards to ensure LGBT+ customers feel safe, welcomed, and accepted.

The accreditation program grants a time-limited recognition to businesses and organizations for demonstrating compliance with the quality standard.

Accredited businesses are deemed market ready for the LGBT+ customer and given the right to be associated with the program’s prestigious Rainbow Registered designation mark.

As a final takeaway, I’d like to highlight how you can support supplier diversity.

If you are eligible for certification, contact Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce or the certifying body that represents your constituency.

If you are already a diverse certified supplier, explore how to maximize your certification.

If you have an established supply chain, discuss how to establish your own Supplier Diversity Program.

And no matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is here to help.

For our corporate members, we offer tailored diversity and inclusion training for your entire team.

AUGUST 2021

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THANK YOU

Our members continue to lead the way. They share insights, knowledge and expertise to support businesses. We continue hosting webinars with field experts to keep you informed and provide an outlet where your questions could be answered. Thank you to the following orgnizations for actively participating and reaching out to keep the business community up to date and prepared.

HALIFAXCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS