In partnership with Johnston Group, CODE will help Canadian chambers offer more inclusive programming, starting with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the Timmins Chamber of Commerce. 

January 22, 2025, WINNIPEG, MB –  Next week, The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is expanding CODE (Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity) thanks to the power of the Chamber network. This multi-province expansion will provide businesses and professionals across the country with credible resources, training workshops, and learning forums, starting with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the Timmins Chamber of Commerce 

“Since launching CODE in 2021, we have seen tremendous uptake from our members wanting to make their workplaces more inclusive, as well as actively making new policies and commitments,” says Loren Remillard, President and CEO of The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. “So, when Hamilton and Timmins Chambers both approached us echoing the need within their membership, it felt like a natural fit to provide them with the tools and resources we know to be successful and create a meaningful partnership.”

“The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce has long been committed to supporting diversity and inclusion within our business community,” says Greg Dunnett, President & CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. “By participating in the CODE program’s national expansion, we are ensuring that our members have access to the expertise and training needed to move the needle on DEI initiatives, making our workplaces and community stronger.”

“Diversity and inclusivity are cornerstones of innovation and growth. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered, our Chamber not only strengthens its own community but also equips our members with the tools to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” Tom Faught Jr., 2024-25 Timmins Chamber President. 

“We have supported CODE from its inception as we recognized the importance of private sector leadership in the area of DE&I,” says Dave Angus, the President of Johnston Group.  “The opportunity to leverage our national reach to bring CODE and it’s positive impact to other Canadian communities is something we are very excited about.”

This expansion will be rolled out in a phased approach. Hamilton and Timmins Chamber members will get free access to CODE online workshops, along with the CODE resources developed by The Winnipeg Chamber.

A formal statement will be made at the CODE Workshop hosted on January 30, 2025. This workshop titled Navigating DEI Pushback: Engaging Staff and Implementing Policy, hosted by the Johnston Group, will equip leaders with the tools needed to engage their teams in a DEI governance model successfully, cover best practices for overcoming resistance, and fostering a culture of inclusion.

“We are excited to join forces with The Winnipeg Chamber and Johnston Group to bring CODE to Hamilton” says Greg Dunnett. “As champions of inclusivity, we recognize the value of providing our members with the tools and resources necessary to create workplaces that reflect the diverse strengths of our community. This expansion is a critical step in building a more equitable future for all.”

This expansion further expands CODE’s mission to:

1. Expand awareness of the opportunities for and benefits of greater equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace
2. Increase the number of organizations making a commitment to enhance diversity, inclusion, and equity in their workplace
3. Increase the implementation of measurable actions in the workplace that further their diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

CODE Stats from 2023-2024 Annual Report:

• 50% of CODE event attendees indicated their learning increased “a great deal” which is up from 35% the previous year.
• Most CODE event attendees planned to share what they learned with a colleague (87%) and implement something they learned at work (79%).
• 52% of CODE Coalition members rated the CODE Resource Hub as “very helpful.”

Read the Full Report Here

How you can get involved?

1. Visit our CODE Resource Hub to find tools to expand your knowledge on DEI topics
   • Free Resource: Truth and Reconciliation Roadmap
2. Sign up for an upcoming CODE workshop
   • Next workshop: January 30, 2025 | Navigating DEI Pushback: Engaging Staff and Implementing Policy
3. Commit to making a difference and join the CODE Coalition.
   • A group of organizational leaders who share a commitment to furthering diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace.