Gowling WLG shortlisted for 2018 Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Awards of Success

27 April 2018

The nominees for the 2018 Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Awards of Success have been announced, and Gowling WLG is proud to share that it has been shortlisted in the "Employer Initiative of the Year - Eastern Canada" category.

CCDI's Awards of Success recognize individuals and employers who have made a significant contribution to diversity and inclusion in Canada, either internally within their organization or externally in the community at large.

This year's CCDI Awards of Success - Eastern Canada were presented on April 26 at a ceremony in Toronto, Ontario.

The firm was shortlisted for its Mental Health First Aid ("MHFA") initiative, under which a broad cross-section of Gowling WLG's management, leaders and employees were taught how to help those who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem - risk areas to which, as research shows, members of the legal profession are particularly vulnerable.

Gowling WLG is not only the first large Canadian law firm to offer such training, but it also worked closely with a master trainer from the Mental Health Commission of Canada to adapt the standard MHFA course to meet the unique needs of a professional services environment - thus setting an important precedent for others in the industry.

The initiative, which continues to be rolled out across Gowling WLG's Canadian offices, is largely spearheaded by the firm's National Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Council.

Diversity and inclusion are integral parts of Gowling WLG's culture. The firm is a proud member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network, an active supporter of the Legal Leaders for Diversity, and has repeatedly been recognized as a best employer in Canada.

As part of its D&I Strategy, Gowling WLG recently hired Lina Nadar as the firm's new D&I manager. Nadar previously served as the Canadian national manager of inclusion and diversity for one of the world's largest professional services firms. At Gowling WLG, she will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to develop, execute and promote the firm's many D&I initiatives.