BNP Paribas in Canada collaborates with EY to expand workplace inclusion

The Bank is embracing EY Canada’s talent and inclusion model to expand their own neurodiversity strategy

MONTRÉAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BNP Paribas, Europe’s premier global bank, is proud to announce the launch of a workplace inclusion effort in Canada partnering with EY Canada Neurodiversity Centres of Excellence—leaders in neurodiversity inclusion and belonging—to create pathways and opportunities for neurodivergent professionals.

“BNP Paribas in Canada is proud to have collaborated with EY Canada to help promote accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment for people with diverse abilities,” says Sonja Volpe, CEO of BNP Paribas in Canada. “We strongly believe in a more open culture to recognize individual skills and potential. We are looking forward to reducing the barriers to inclusive and equitable employment.”

EY was among the first professional services firms to introduce a neurodiversity program in 2016, alongside a handful of forward-thinking companies that recognized the skills and value neurodiverse teams can bring to the most complex areas of business. BNP Paribas has chosen EY to assist as they continue to advance their inclusion agenda and to build disability strategy and processes for the Bank.

“A lot of skilled talent remains underutilized in the labour market, however we are pleased to see BNP Paribas in Canada looking to attract and retain neurodiverse professionals given today’s demands for innovation and growth,” says Anthony Rjeily, EY Canada Neurodiversity Leader. “At EY, we benefit from inclusive design and the supports that allow diverse teams to be successful. We’re thrilled to be supporting BNP Paribas in Canada as they pro-actively work to include more professionals with disabilities within their talent pipelines and build a process-driven program for engaging and hiring from neurodiverse talent pools.”

Individuals who identify as neurodivergent represent approximately 20% of the Canadian population, 22% of Canadians with disabilities, and over 50% of Canadians connected to disability in some way. Employers in Canada report that attracting talent is a primary barrier in business.

Through the program, BNP Paribas in Canada is building tools to expand their inclusion and retention strategy. As part of the program, the Bank provided training sessions to existing staff that addressed neurodiversity stereotypes and how to be an intentional ally, in an effort to build a more inclusive mindset across the organization.

The Bank is committed to hiring, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. This year, BNP Paribas has increased the number of its employee resource groups, enhanced employee benefits, and established new relationships with external partners. In addition, the Bank has received notable external recognition: two consecutive years of silver level parity certification by Women in Governance and as one of Montreal’s Top Employers.

About BNP Paribas in Canada

For over 60 years, BNP Paribas in Canada has been helping Canadian businesses and institutions grow by offering them a full range of specialized financial services and investment products. With over 1,400 employees in offices in Montreal and Toronto, BNP Paribas in Canada combines a clear understanding of the Canadian landscape with global expertise.

Learn more: https://www.bnpparibas.ca/en/

About BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas is the European Union’s leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 65 countries and has nearly 190,000 employees, including nearly 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval BNP Paribas ; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions ; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, Eastern Europe as well as via a large network in the western part of the United States. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific.

BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group's performance and stability.