Pacific Blue Cross has been named as a winner of Insurance Business Canada’s prestigious 5-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award.

The award recognizes organizations not only for their stellar achievements in fostering more progressive working environments but also for their ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

A healthy approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Our commitment to promoting and protecting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) starts with our employees.

Our company, like our province, is a combination of many cultures, values, and unique differences. We believe that every person has the fundamental right to work in an environment where they can be their authentic selves and are treated in a cooperative, respectful, and professional manner.

While Pacific Blue Cross is diverse in many dimensions including Indigenous identity, race, ethnicity, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital or family status, physical or mental ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, education level, parental status, socioeconomic status, personalities, and life experiences, we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued for these differences and our employees feel empowered to freely participate.

As BC’s Health Benefits Society, our commitment to DE&I helps us better serve the complex needs of our very diverse 1.6 million members throughout British Columbia and the Yukon.

We sponsor the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, are members of the Canadian Centre of Diversity Inclusion, the Leadership Circle for Indigenous Inclusion with Indigenous Works, and partner with Pride at Work Canada to help us foster a safer, more inclusive workplace. We support local pride events and provide grant funding to non-profit organizations serving our community through the Pacific Blue Cross Health Foundation.

DE&I eLearning modules

Internally, we have created multiple DE&I eLearning modules including Intro to Diversity, Beyond Bias, Indigenous Awareness, Gender Awareness, and Diversity in Action. These free resources are available to workplaces or any individual who is interested in expanding their DE&I knowledge.

“As we move towards a more equitable society, there are some people who feel like they are losing power or being left behind,” says Rob Chiarello, Senior VP People & Culture at Pacific Blue Cross. “DE&I is a journey and not everyone is moving at the same speed, so we need to help those who are fearful or angry about these changes.”

Access the Pacific Blue Cross eLearning Modules or read more about the 5-Star Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award.