Black Community Focus Group Engagement

Join The Conversation To Improve Black Representation In The Banking And Finance Sector In Alberta And British Columbia!

Canada’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident, but disparities persist in the representation of Black individuals in Alberta and British Columbia’s Banking and Finance sectors. Recent research based on Statistics Canada Census Data, as of 2021, roughly 3.4% of Alberta’s workforce (above the age of 15) were Black individuals. However, their representation within the Banking & Finance workforce stood at 3.0%, with an even smaller representation in leadership roles. This trend was also evident in British Columbia, where the proportion of Black individuals accounted for 1.1% of the workforce, although only 0.8% of those were employed in banking and finance occupations. Furthermore, while there were slight gains in Black representation from 2016 to 2021, the attainment rate for Black individuals in the sector remained below 100%, lagging other minority groups in both Alberta and B.C. These numbers highlight the systemic barriers and challenges Black professionals face, such as discriminatory hiring practices, lack of mentorship, and limited access to leadership roles. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and innovative financial sector.

Learn more about our research By Clicking Here

Why Participate in Our Focus Groups?

Voice Your Experiences: Share the challenges you face and help identify solutions.

Drive Change: Contribute to improving diversity and inclusion in the finance sector.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with other professionals and advocates.

As a token of appreciation for your time and participation, receive a $50 Gift Card.

Focus Group Schedule

Focus Group Engagement Topics Date & Time
Canadian-born Black Individuals Barriers to Entry, Retention/Growth, Leadership Advancement August 20, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm (PST)
Immigrant Black Individuals Discriminatory Practices, Credential Recognition, Mentorship August 21, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm (PST)
Black Persons with Disabilities Accessibility, Inclusive Policies, Support Systems August 22, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm (PST)
Black Francophone Individuals Language Barriers, Cultural Differences, Employment Equity August 28, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm (PST)
Virtual links to the focus group sessions will be shared directly with selected registrants