BNP Paribas in Canada Collaborates With EY to Expand Workplace Inclusion

The Bank is embracing EY Canada’s talent and inclusion model to expand their own neurodiversity strategy

BNP Paribas, Europe’s premier global bank, is proud to announce the launch of a workplace inclusion effort in Canada partnering with EY Canada Neurodiversity Centres of Excellence—leaders in neurodiversity inclusion and belonging—to create pathways and opportunities for neurodivergent professionals.

“BNP Paribas in Canada is proud to have collaborated with EY Canada to help promote accessibility, inclusivity, and empowerment for people with diverse abilities,” says Sonja Volpe, CEO of BNP Paribas in Canada. “We strongly believe in a more open culture to recognize individual skills and potential. We are looking forward to reducing the barriers to inclusive and equitable employment.”

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EY was among the first professional services firms to introduce a neurodiversity program in 2016, alongside a handful of forward-thinking companies that recognized the skills and value neurodiverse teams can bring to the most complex areas of business. BNP Paribas has chosen EY to assist as they continue to advance their inclusion agenda and to build disability strategy and processes for the Bank.

“A lot of skilled talent remains underutilized in the labour market, however we are pleased to see BNP Paribas in Canada looking to attract and retain neurodiverse professionals given today’s demands for innovation and growth,” says Anthony Rjeily, EY Canada Neurodiversity Leader. “At EY, we benefit from inclusive design and the supports that allow diverse teams to be successful. We’re thrilled to be supporting BNP Paribas in Canada as they pro-actively work to include more professionals with disabilities within their talent pipelines and build a process-driven program for engaging and hiring from neurodiverse talent pools.”

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Individuals who identify as neurodivergent represent approximately 20% of the Canadian population, 22% of Canadians with disabilities, and over 50% of Canadians connected to disability in some way. Employers in Canada report that attracting talent is a primary barrier in business.

Through the program, BNP Paribas in Canada is building tools to expand their inclusion and retention strategy. As part of the program, the Bank provided training sessions to existing staff that addressed neurodiversity stereotypes and how to be an intentional ally, in an effort to build a more inclusive mindset across the organization.

The Bank is committed to hiring, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. This year, BNP Paribas has increased the number of its employee resource groups, enhanced employee benefits, and established new relationships with external partners. In addition, the Bank has received notable external recognition: two consecutive years of silver level parity certification by Women in Governance and as one of Montreal’s Top Employers.