Catalyst Canada to Fete Top Business Leaders for Championing Women in the Workplace

Media Advisory from Catalyst Canada

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - What: Catalyst Canada Honours Conference and Gala Dinner
When Monday, October 21, 2013, 1 P.M. through pre dinner media availabilities at 6 P.M.
Where: Fairmont Royal York Hotel, 100 Front Street West, Toronto.

Media are invited to a 1 P.M. discussion, where five of Canada's top business leaders, risk takers and role models will tell their personal stories of workplace leadership and standing up for the advancement of women in a panel moderated by Alex Johnston, Catalyst Canada Executive Director.

These five panelists have been awarded Catalyst Canada's highest honour for championship of women in their organizations, industries and communities:

• Marc-André Blanchard, Chair & Chief Executive Officer, McCarthy Tétrault LLP;
• Lorraine Mitchelmore, President and Country Chair & EVP, Heavy Oil, Shell Canada Limited
• Susan Allen, Partner, International Team Leader, Global Assurance PwC Canada;
• Colleen Johnston, Group Head Finance, CFO, TD Bank Group; and
• Kate Broer, Partner, Canada Region Co-Chair, Diversity and Inclusion, Dentons Canada LLP

These same individuals will be feted later that day at an evening dinner gala alongside 
Purdy Crawford, Counsel, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, who will be honoured with a special recognition award for his work as a Board Diversity Champion. More than 700 attendees are expected at the evening event.

A second one-hour session at 3 P.M. highlights the current state of Women on Boards.
What myths about the lack of women on boards have been busted? Panelists including Torys LLP Chair Robert S Prichard and Linamar Corporation CEO Linda Hasenfrantz will share their thoughts, experiences, and challenges surrounding board diversity, and why they, as leaders, have chosen to advocate for more women in Canada's boardrooms.

Note to Media: Conference, Panel and Award dinner attendance welcome, Interviews and visual opportunities on and off site can be arranged.

ABOUT CATALYST: Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization expanding opportunities for women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, and Australia, and more than 600 members, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women's advancement with the Catalyst Award.

SOURCE: Catalyst Canada Inc.

Media Contact: Claire M. Tallarico, 416 616 9940, [email protected], en francais: Ariane Tremblay, 514 861-1330