When we received word that Sanofi Canada had been awarded our first Parity Certification, the excitement was palpable. It meant that Sanofi Canada had taken its place among notable Canadian companies that strive towards gender parity.

Being the first global biopharmaceutical company with a presence in Canada to achieve this certification is very meaningful to our entire team. Gender parity is a key part of Sanofi’s core values and our ongoing commitment to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

Michael Mullette, President and CEO of Sanofi Canada

The certification was no small feat, requiring the completion of a rigorous, evidenced-based questionnaire and a detailed evaluation by McKinsey & Company, Mercer, and Willis Towers Watson. Among the various types of certifications offered - Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum - Sanofi Canada has been awarded the Gold certification.

Inclusion as a Core Corporate Value

The foundations for gender parity were already in place at Sanofi, with inclusion and diversity at the core of how we operate. As an organization, we recognize the benefits in the workplace, and strive to foster an environment where differences can thrive and be leveraged to empower the lives of patients.

This certification is a recognition of our hard work and determination towards gender parity and will continue to be a source of motivation for the Sanofi team. We will continue to support and empower every team member to embrace the diversity, opinions and needs of all employees across the country.

Marie-Pierre Lalande, Head of Sanofi Canada Human Resources

The certification is made possible by Women in Governance, a not-for-profit organization founded to empower women in their roles as employees and leaders in their quest towards excellence. Their objective is to close the gender gap in the workplace and achieve parity at every level and department of an organization.

Parity as a Key Corporate Objective

The next steps for Sanofi Canada: using this first recognition to inspire our team to seek an even higher level of certification, the highly-coveted Platinum level. As such, we will continue to support and empower every member of our organization to embrace an inclusive culture from coast to coast. It’s a priority that extends beyond Canada’s borders for our company. Globally, Sanofi has committed to achieving a balance between men and women at the top of the organization among our 1,900 leaders by 2025. Our approach is based on a culture of inclusion and diversity and an environment that guarantees equal opportunities for the benefit of all.

Whether it’s solely in Canada, or at Sanofi sites around the world, we know that gender balance is a real force for attracting, developing and retaining talent. It drives our innovation and helps us better imagine the solutions of tomorrow, as we work together to understand and solve the healthcare needs of people in Canada and around the world.