ISED 50 – 30 Challenge

December 17, 2020

As many of you know, Canada’s greatest resource is its people - and businesses benefit from having the right people in the right places to reflect Canada’s diverse population. Their ideas and inspirations will guide the future success of Canadian businesses and Canada’s economy.

On December 10, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, launched the 50 – 30 Challenge to advance and recognize diversity, inclusion and economic prosperity from coast to coast to coast.

Minister Bains announced a $33-million investment in the Challenge, including for the development of tools and resources to help participating organizations advance diversity and inclusion in workplaces across Canada. Additionally, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) will leverage its programs to encourage companies that receive ISED funding to advance diversity and inclusion within their organizations.

At the heart of the 50 – 30 Challenge are two goals for the board and senior management of an organization: gender parity (50%) and significant representation (30%) of under-represented groups (racialized persons, those who identify as LGBTQ2, Indigenous persons, and people living with disabilities). To address the unique needs of various sectors in Canada, the Challenge offers three streams for participation: large corporations; small and medium-sized enterprises; and post-secondary institutions, not-for-profit organizations and charities. Participating organizations in all three streams will commit to working toward the 50 – 30 objectives in ways that show meaningful progress toward creating a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities in which they operate across Canada.

The Challenge is an opportunity to champion an important and growing effort in the Canadian business world. If your organization is interested in participating in the Challenge, you are invited to visit the 50—30 Challenge webpage to sign-up or to learn more.

If you have any questions, you can contact ISED at 50-30ChallengeInfo@canada.ca.