Canada's Chief Accessibility Officer Stephanie Cadieux speaks at the Inclusive Growth Dialogue event hosted by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, October 5, 2023 in Coquitlam.
(OTTAWA) December 12, 2023 — The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has released its 'What We Heard' findings for its Inclusive Growth Dialogue collaborations with the Tri-Cities and Guelph Chambers of Commerce earlier this fall.
"It was an honour to partner with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce for this vitally important discussion on diversity and inclusion taking place across the nation," said Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. "Our event was a step forward in building confidence among employers to hire people with disabilities and neurodiversity."
The Canadian Chamber/Tri-Cities Chamber event took place October 5 in Coquitlam, with more than 100 in attendance from chambers and boards of trade spanning Whistler to Victoria.
With welcome remarks and an overview of the initiative provided by Diana Palmerin-Velasco, Senior Director, Future of Work and Ian Faris, Senior VP, Chamber Network Relations and Advocacy of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Fiona Famulak, President and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce, and Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber, the featured speakers were:
Opening Remarks: Stephanie Cadieux, Chief Accessibility Officer, Government of Canada
Keynote Speaker: Marco Pasqua, award-winning entrepreneur, and accessibility consultant
Panellists:
- Lisa Beecroft, Co-Owner of Gabi & Jules
- Yat Li, Senior Accessibility Consultant of the Presidents Group
- Brad Liski, CEO and Co-Founder of Tru Earth
- Carol Simpson, President and CEO of Focus Professional Services
- Nate Toevs, Employer Outreach Developer at the Neil Squire Society
The event was sponsored by the Presidents Group, Neil Squire Society, Community Ventures Society, and Tru Earth. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Courchesne also served as a judge for the Canadian Chamber's inaugural Inclusive Growth Awards presented at the Canadian Chamber AGM and Convention in Calgary this fall.
Read the Canadian Chamber's Inclusive Growth Dialogue 'What We Heard' findings here.
View the event photos here. (photo credit: Butter Studios)
(L to R): Leslie Courchesne, CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce; panellist Brad Liski; panellist Yat Li; panellist Lisa Beecroft; keynote speaker Marco Pasqua (front); panellist Carol Simpson; and panellist Nate Toevs, at the Coquitlam Inclusive Growth Dialogue.
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870