Report analyzes collective Canadian impact on its people, clients, society and the planet
- $12m invested in new learning and development programs for EY people
- Investments in technology and enablement, including EY Canvas, EY Helix and tenthree|labs to support 175 public company audits
- $6.2m and 17,000 hours donated collectively by EY and its people to support communities
TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2022 /CNW/ - EY Canada is proud to issue its corporate responsibility report, capturing value realized in 2021. The report provides an overview of how the firm is making its people a priority, serving clients with purpose, actively investing in society and helping to protect the planet.
"Centred in purpose and fuelled by the intellectual firepower of our people, we're working closely with our stakeholders to drive value creation, enablement and empowerment," explains Jad Shimaly, Chair, CEO and Chief Inclusiveness Officer at EY Canada. "Rallying together with the common goal of achieving greater sustainability and inclusive growth is what will allow us to go beyond rebuilding for the present to transforming the future. We're excited to share our progress, highlight our impact and underscore the areas where we need to redouble our efforts."
Cultivating exceptional people experiences
Recognizing people are fundamental to achieving its purpose of building a better working world, the firm is differentially investing in its people, their wellness, growth and success. In support of development goals and to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving marketplace, the firm invested $12m into learning and development programs in the past year, resulting in over 300,000 hours of completed training.
That investment works hand-in-hand with its collective commitment to put diversity, equity and inclusion at the core of the organization. Last year, the firm established an anti-racism framework that evaluates internal talent and business processes, drives policy change and engages diverse communities — actively helping to reinforce a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
"Investing in our people, while building an inclusive and collaborative environment, is absolutely critical to creating a workplace where everyone belongs and supports long-term, meaningful career paths — whether at the firm or beyond," says Alycia Calvert, Managing Partner, Markets and Accounts at EY Canada. "As we continually invest in our people and capabilities, we're fostering trust, spearheading transformation and supporting growth that helps generate more sustainable value for our clients."
Helping clients innovate, grow, optimize and protect value
With quality at the heart of its client-serving operations, Canada is working in parallel with the firm's three-year US$2.5b global investment to supplement development in disruptive technologies to enhance in-house data capabilities of proprietary and game-changing digital audit solutions like EY Canvas and EY Helix, supported by diverse technology talent through homegrown tech hubs like tenthree|labs. The use of these data-driven tools allowed the firm to yield greater insights and smarter decision making to support 175 public company audits last year.
That same enthusiasm has translated to private business owners and entrepreneurs. For 27 years, Canada's EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® program has celebrated more than 3,200 finalists and 1,400 award recipients. Coupled with the Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ program and Entrepreneurs Access Network, launching this year, the firm's entrepreneurial ecosystem is working towards the common goal of unleashing an innovation economy enabled by entrepreneurship for all.
Creating a positive impact for local communities and our planet
In 2021, EY Canada and its people created positive impact for local communities and the planet by investing more than 17,000 hours and collectively donating $6.2m to charitable organizations and causes.
"We know that the way we engage with society today will help shape Canada's environmental, educational and entrepreneurial landscape for generations to come," suggests Kent Kaufield, ESG Markets Leader and Chief Sustainability Officer at EY Canada.
Additionally, through the pursuit of its goal to reach net zero by 2025, the global firm became carbon negative in October 2021. Part of that commitment included leading the way in sustainable office design, with 76% of Canadian offices operating in LEED-certified buildings.
"At the end of the day, the cumulative value of our contributions is greater than hours donated or dollars raised," says Kaufield. "It comes down to the success stories of high-impact entrepreneurs we supported, post-secondary graduates we mentored or carbon emissions we reduced. It's measured in momentum created and change realized, to help build a positive and lasting impact for our people, clients, communities and planet."
About EY
EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.
This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young LLP.
SOURCE EY (Ernst & Young)
Victoria McQueen, [email protected], 416 943 3141; Camille Larivière, [email protected], 514 879 8021; Dina Elshurafa, [email protected], 416 941 1818
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