Canada is Entering a Structural Investment Cycle

Canada is entering a structural investment cycle driven by large-scale development in energy, infrastructure, critical minerals, and digital transformation.

This cycle is characterised by long-term policy visibility, accelerating public investment programmes, and increasing private capital mobilisation. For multinational corporations, Canada is becoming a long-term capital deployment platform within North America, not a cyclical growth market.

The key shift is that investment decisions are now shaped by energy transition, supply chain resilience, and capital efficiency rather than pure market expansion.

Energy, Infrastructure, & Critical Minerals are Driving Growth

Canada’s investment agenda is concentrated across three strategic pillars:

• Energy and electrification: Electricity demand is rising rapidly due to AI infrastructure, data centres, electrified transport, and industrial decarbonisation. This is driving sustained investment in generation capacity, grid modernisation, and storage systems. Canada’s diversified energy mix supports long-duration infrastructure investment.
• Critical minerals and supply chains: Canada is strengthening its position in global supply chains through mining, processing, and clean technology inputs, reinforcing its role in industrial decarbonisation and battery value chains.
• Infrastructure-led expansion: Large-scale infrastructure and mobility investment is generating sustained demand across construction, logistics, and fleet ecosystems, supporting long-term economic activity.

Across all three areas, policy clarity and multi-year visibility are key enablers of capital deployment.

Digital Infrastructure & Sovereign Technology are Expanding

Beyond physical infrastructure, Canada is becoming a strategic hub for digital infrastructure investment and AI-driven transformation.

A key structural trend is the rise of data sovereignty requirements, driving demand for localised cloud infrastructure and regulated digital ecosystems.

This is accelerating investment in:

• AI infrastructure and enterprise systems.
• Sovereign cloud capabilities.
• Cybersecurity and data localisation frameworks.

Canada combines strong research ecosystems, government-backed innovation incentives, and stable regulation, positioning it as both a technology development hub and a regulated deployment market.

Financing the Investment Cycle Requires Capital Flexibility

As investment requirements increase, multinational corporations are prioritising capital structure flexibility and financing diversification.

Funding strategies increasingly include:

• Bond markets (public and private issuance).
• Commercial paper programmes.
• Bank lending structures.
• Structured finance and securitisation.
• ESG-linked financing instruments.

The underlying shift is toward multi-source capital structures that optimise liquidity, reduce funding risk, and support cross-border operations.

Financial institutions increasingly act as structurers of flexible financing frameworks rather than single-source liquidity providers.

ESG & Stakeholder Alignment are Core Investment Conditions

ESG considerations are now embedded in investment and financing decisions in Canada. Three factors are particularly critical:

• Carbon transition alignment: Projects must demonstrate measurable contribution to decarbonisation pathways.
• Indigenous and community engagement: Partnerships with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders are essential to project execution and directly influence timelines and financing conditions.
• Social licence to operate: Long-term stakeholder acceptance is required for infrastructure and energy project scalability.

ESG is therefore directly linked to capital access and execution risk, not only reporting.

Canada as a North American Investment Platform

Canada should be viewed as part of a broader North American investment strategy. While the United States offers scale and liquidity, Canada provides:

• Greater policy predictability in strategic sectors.
• Strong public-private capital alignment.
• Leadership in clean energy and critical minerals.
• Skilled labour and research depth.
• Stable regulatory environment for long-term investment.

For multinational corporations, Canada functions as a stability and transition platform for long-duration infrastructure and energy investment strategies.

BNP Paribas’ Role in Supporting Multinational Growth in Canada

As Canada enters a structural investment cycle, multinational corporations require banking partners capable of combining global market access with local execution expertise.

BNP Paribas supports clients through integrated financing solutions across:

• Transaction banking and liquidity management.
• Capital markets and financing solutions.
• Cross-border structuring.
• ESG-linked and sustainability financing.

The Bank’s positioning reflects a clear objective: enabling corporates to deploy capital efficiently, optimise funding structures, and execute complex cross-border investment strategies.

Canada serves as a strategic entry point for MNCs into North America, and the investments we are making in the Canada platform cement our role as a trusted partner to our global clients— helping them unlock opportunities across the transatlantic and transpacific corridors.

Vikas Khandelwal, Head of MNC for North America

As Canada continues to evolve as a strategic investment destination, BNP Paribas remains committed to supporting multinational clients in capturing long-term growth opportunities across the region and beyond.

BNP Paribas in Canada Recognized as a Leader in Gender Equity

BNP Paribas in Canada has once again received the Platinum-level Parity Certification from Women in Governance (WiG), the highest distinction awarded by the organization for advancing gender equity in the workplace.

This marks the third consecutive year that the Bank has received this recognition, reinforcing its leadership in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Montreal and Toronto offices.

Created by Women in Governance, the Parity Certification recognizes organizations across Canada and the United States that demonstrate strong commitments to gender parity and inclusive leadership practices. For BNP Paribas in Canada, this certification reflects a long-term strategy to foster a workplace where employees of all genders can grow their careers and thrive professionally.

Why BNP Paribas in Canada is a Leader in Gender Equality

BNP Paribas in Canada’s Platinum Parity Certification reflects a combination of inclusive leadership practices, measurable commitments, and employee-driven initiatives:

• Gender-Balanced Leadership: BNP Paribas in Canada has achieved gender parity within its Canada Executive Committee, ensuring equitable representation of women at the highest levels of decision-making and governance.
• Women’s Career Acceleration Programs: The Bank has implemented structured mentorship and leadership development initiatives designed to support women’s career advancement. These programs focus on: leadership development and skills building, executive mentorship and sponsorship, professional networking across Canada, creating pathways to senior leadership roles.
• Advancing Intersectional Inclusion: BNP Paribas in Canada also takes a strong intersectional approach to diversity and inclusion. Each year, more than 60 DEI events and initiatives are led by the Bank’s Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), supporting awareness, allyship, and career advancement across multiple dimensions of diversity.

Achieving gender parity requires commitment from everyone, sustained investment, and the ability to continuously adapt and challenge ourselves— backed by strong governance and clear policies. Inclusive leadership, bringing together talented employees from across our organization, regardless of gender and across all intersectional identities, not only helps create a workplace where every individual is supported and empowered to thrive, but also enables us to drive innovation and deliver greater value for our clients.

Laetitia Fouquet Pimpin, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for BNP Paribas in Canada

About the Platinum Parity Certification

Launched in 2017 by Women in Governance, the Parity Certification is the first gender equity certification program of its kind in North America. The program evaluates organizations across several key dimensions, including:

• Representation in senior management.
• Recruitment and talent development practices.
• Workplace culture and governance.
• Training and awareness initiatives.

BNP Paribas is among a limited number of organizations recognized with Platinum certification in 2025, solidifying its reputation as a leading employer for women and for diversity and inclusion.

BNP Paribas in Canada: an Award-Winning Employer

The Platinum Parity Certification adds to BNP Paribas in Canada’s growing list of national and regional employer recognitions, including:

• One of Montreal’s Top Employers (five consecutive years).
• One of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.
• One of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (four consecutive years).
• Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.

Together, these distinctions reinforce BNP Paribas in Canada’s reputation as one of Canada’s top workplaces.

Join Us

Looking for a flexible and inclusive career in Montreal and Toronto? Explore our early talent and internship programs, career growth and wellbeing benefits, and flexible work culture at BNP Paribas in Canada.

BNP Paribas in Canada Recognized as a Leading Employer in Montreal

BNP Paribas in Canada has been named one of Montreal’s Top Employers 2026 by Mediacorp. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Bank has received this prestigious recognition, reinforcing its position as a leading employer in Montreal and across Canada.

Part of the national Canada’s Top 100 program, Montreal’s Top Employers highlights organizations in the Greater Montreal area that stand out for creating exceptional workplaces and forward-looking employment policies.

For BNP Paribas in Canada, the recognition reflects a long-term commitment to building a workplace where employees can grow their careers, develop new skills, and thrive professionally.

Investing in Employee Development and Wellbeing

At BNP Paribas in Canada, people are the heart of the organization’s strategy. The Bank continues to invest in programs that support employee wellbeing, career development, and work-life balance.

These initiatives help create an environment where employees in Montreal and Toronto can build meaningful careers while contributing to the long-term success of the organization.

Why BNP Paribas in Canada is a Top Employer in Montreal

BNP Paribas in Canada’s recognition as one of Montreal’s Top Employers 2026 is supported by a range of impactful programs and progressive workplace policies:

• Flexible Work Culture: BNP Paribas in Canada helps employees achieve work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, hybrid work options, and options for reduced summer hours. These policies and family-friendly benefits allow employees to balance professional responsibilities with personal priorities while maintaining a strong collaborative culture.
• Community Engagement and Paid Volunteering: Employees receive two paid volunteer days per year to support their local communities. The Bank also matches employee charitable donations up to $650 annually, encouraging employees to give back and strengthen the communities where they live and work.
• Wellbeing and Career Development: BNP Paribas in Canada offers structured mentorship and leadership development programs designed to help employees expand their skills and explore new career opportunities. These initiatives also foster professional networking across teams and offices in Montreal and across Canada.

This milestone is a testament to our incredible community— each employee who contributes daily to making BNP Paribas an exceptional workplace where everyone can feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow professionally.

Flavie Motte, Chief Human Resources Officer, BNP Paribas in Canada

About Montreal’s Top Employers

First published in 2005, Montreal’s Top Employers is an annual competition that recognizes organizations that lead their industries in creating exceptional workplaces in the Greater Montreal area.

The ranking is part of the broader Canada’s Top 100 Employers project and evaluates employers based on criteria such as workplace environment, benefits and employee wellbeing programs, training and professional development, and community involvement.

Other Recognitions for BNP Paribas in Canada as a Top Employer

This award adds to BNP Paribas in Canada’s growing list of national and regional employer recognitions, including:

• One of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.
• One of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers (four consecutive years).
• Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.

Together, these distinctions reinforce BNP Paribas in Canada’s reputation as a top employer in Montreal and across the country.

Join Us

Want to join a flexible and innovative workplace in Montreal and Toronto? Explore our graduate and internship programs, career growth and wellbeing initiatives, and flexible work culture at BNP Paribas in Canada.

BNP Paribas in Canada Recognized for Leadership in Workplace Inclusion

BNP Paribas in Canada has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers 2026 by Mediacorp. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the bank has received this national recognition, highlighting its sustained commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across its Canadian operations.

The award celebrates Canadian organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in fostering inclusive workplaces and advancing opportunities for underrepresented groups.

For BNP Paribas in Canada, this recognition reflects a long-term strategy focused on building an environment where all employees in Montreal and Toronto can thrive, grow their careers, and contribute fully. The Bank continues to prioritize inclusiveness and belonging as strategic drivers of innovation, performance, and resilience.

Key Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at BNP Paribas in Canada

BNP Paribas in Canada’s recognition as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers 2026 is supported by a range of impactful programs and measurable leadership commitments:

• Mentorship and Leadership Development Programs: The Bank has implemented structured mentorship and leadership development programs designed to increase representation of women in senior roles. These initiatives focus on:
  • Career progression pathways
  • Executive sponsorship
  • Professional networking across Canada
  • Skills development and leadership readiness

These programs strengthen internal mobility and help build a robust and diverse leadership pipeline.

• Inclusive Hiring and Leadership Accountabilities: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals are embedded into leadership priorities and management objectives. BNP Paribas in Canada integrates inclusive hiring practices into recruitment processes to reduce bias and expand access to opportunity.

Inclusion is not treated as a standalone initiative: it is integrated into business strategy and people management practices.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Allyship: BNP Paribas in Canada’s Employee Resource Groups play a central role in employee engagement and education. Through workshops and programming on allyship, unconscious bias, privilege, and intersectionality, ERGs contribute to fostering a culture of belonging and shared accountability. 

This award is more than an accolade. It is a powerful reflection of our continuous, collective efforts to dismantle barriers and cultivate a culture that embraces all differences so that each employee can bring their authentic selves to work.

Laetitia Fouquet Pimpin, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for BNP Paribas in Canada

About Canada’s Best Diversity Employers

Launched in 2008, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers is part of the national competition organized by Canada’s Top 100 Employers. The designation recognizes employers that lead the country in setting standards for inclusive workplaces. Employers are evaluated based on initiatives supporting five underrepresented groups:

• Women
• Racialized people
• Persons with disabilities
• Indigenous peoples
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities.

Selection criteria include measurable impact, innovation, and sustainability of diversity programs.

Additional Employer Recognitions

This latest distinction adds to BNP Paribas in Canada’s growing list of recognitions as a leading employer, including:

• One of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People.
• One of Montreal’s Top Employers (four consecutive years).
• Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.

Together, these awards reinforce BNP Paribas in Canada’s position as a top employer in Montreal and across the country.

Join Us

Want to join an innovative and inclusive workplace in Montreal and Toronto? Explore our graduate and internship programs, mentorship and leadership development, and flexible work culture at BNP Paribas in Canada.

BNP Paribas in Canada is proud to share that it has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Young People 2026 by Mediacorp. This prestigious award highlights organizations in Canada that excel in creating exceptional workplaces and career opportunities for young professionals.

This recognition reinforces BNP Paribas in Canada’s commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive, and innovative environment where all employees can develop their skills, grow professionally, and reach their full potential. It also reflects the Bank’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders while attracting and retaining top talent in Montreal and Toronto.

Key Initiatives Supporting Young Talent

Several of BNP Paribas in Canada’s key initiatives have played a crucial role in this recognition, especially those focused on career development, mentorship, and networking:

• Mentorship Programs: Connecting entry-level employees with experienced managers to guide career growth and professional development.
• Graduate Development Programs: Personalized programs for recent graduates, focused on skill-building, career goal setting, and professional networking in Montreal and across Canada.
• Annual Group-wide Career Days: Providing employees with opportunities to learn, progress, and connect with colleagues to achieve their career aspirations.

This recognition reflects our ongoing efforts to attract, engage, and retain emerging talent. It demonstrates our commitment to creating a culture where all employees feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow professionally and reach their full potential.

Flavie Motte, Chief Human Resources Officer, BNP Paribas in Canada

Employee Testimonials

Irene de la Fuente Ciordia, Data Analyst, shared: “BNP Paribas in Canada gave me my first professional opportunity as a graduate, and it is truly a great place to start your career. The combination of mentorship, skills training, and networking in an inclusive environment has greatly enhanced my career development.”

Saoudia Ganiou, Campus Recruiter, added: “Starting my career at BNP Paribas in Canada has offered me strong career development and growth opportunities, mentorship opportunities, and a diverse and inclusive work culture. With flexible work policies and competitive benefits, it’s a fantastic place to launch a career.”

About Canada’s Top Employers for Young People

First published in 2002, Canada’s Top Employers for Young People is part of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers competition. Winners are selected based on programs and initiatives that help younger employees succeed, including tuition assistance, co-op or work study programs, mentorship, skills, and training management programs that accelerate professional growth.

Other Recognitions for BNP Paribas in Canada

This award adds to BNP Paribas in Canada’s numerous recognitions for fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace, including:

• One of Montreal’s Top Employers for four consecutive years.
• One of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for three consecutive years.
• Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.

BNP Paribas in Canada continues to invest in young professionals, graduate programs, and mentorship initiatives to maintain its position as a top employer in Montreal and across the country.

Join Us

Looking to launch your career in Montreal or in Toronto? Explore our graduate programs, mentorship opportunities, and flexible work culture at BNP Paribas in Canada.

Montreal, November 19, 2025 – BNP Paribas, a leading European provider of banking and financial services, and Mila, a renowned AI research institute, have entered a partnership to support research and talent development in the field of artificial intelligence in Canada. The collaboration brings together BNP Paribas’ financial expertise with Mila’s established AI research ecosystem with the aim of supporting AI innovation, fostering talent and identifying business opportunities for both organizations in Canada and internationally. This initiative is part of BNP Paribas’ ongoing efforts in AI research, including partnerships and programs.

Frank Roncey, Group Chief Risk Officer, BNP Paribas, said: “Artificial intelligence is reshaping various aspects of the financial services—from risk management to client experience. By joining forces with Mila—a global hub of AI excellence—BNP Paribas aims to strengthen its research capabilities, tap into exceptional talent and co-create solutions that support sustainable growth for our clients.”

Stéphane Létourneau, Executive Vice President, Mila, added: “Mila brings together top researchers, students, and start-ups. Partnering with BNP Paribas allows us to further apply our expertise in the financial sector, providing our community with invaluable real-world challenges and application opportunities while strengthening our capacity to translate cutting-edge AI research into societal impact.”

Core Pillars of the Partnership

The collaboration grants BNP Paribas access to Mila’s ongoing scientific developments, enabling early awareness of emerging technologies and fostering dialogue with leading researchers. It also establishes direct links to Mila’s talent pool comprising over 1,500 students and scholars, through priority access to recruitment events, internship programs, and executive-level AI training designed for senior leaders. These elements support BNP Paribas’ commitment to responsible AI and its integration into the Group’s long-term strategy.

Beyond research and talent, the partnership will also amplify BNP Paribas’ integration within Montreal’s dynamic AI ecosystem, as well as contribute to Mila’s global presence and outreach.

Areas of collaboration

BNP Paribas will participate in Mila’s AI hub, working alongside startups and academic partners to support the development and practical application of AI solutions. Mila will benefit from opportunities to validate research in operational environments.

A few examples:

• Joint research initiatives – Collaborative projects will explore the applications of artificial intelligence in areas that support more resilient economies such as environmental, social and governance (ESG), geofinance, risk assessment and the analysis of potential risk interconnections.
• Talent development – Direct access to Mila’s academic community will support the development of technical and research expertise within both organizations.
• Responsible AI – Both organizations share commitment to ethical and inclusive AI development, contributing to positive societal outcomes.

About BNP Paribas

Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has nearly 178,000 employees, including more than 144,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialized businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporate and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Türkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.

About Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute

Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio of the Université de Montréal, Mila is the world’s largest academic research center for deep learning, bringing together over 1,500 specialized researchers in machine learning. Based in Montreal and funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, Mila’s mission is to be a global center for scientific advancements that inspire innovation and the growth of AI for the benefit of all. Mila is a globally recognized non-profit organization for its significant contributions to deep learning, especially in the fields of language modeling, automatic translation, object recognition, and generative models. For more information, visit mila.quebec.

Media Contacts

BNP Paribas
Jelena Nedelka
jelena.nedelka@us.bnpparibas.com
+1 332 280 1394

Guillaume Semene
guillaume.semene@ca.bnpparibas.com
+1 438 227 7540

Mila
Christian Ahuet
christian.ahuet@mila.quebec

This press release is issued jointly by BNP Paribas and MILA. For additional information, please visit www.bnpparibas.com and www.mila.quebec.

The 2025 Catalyst Honours Conference brought together over 650 of Canada’s most influential business leaders and inclusion champions to discuss powerful solutions for today’s most pressing workplace challenges and define the future of inclusion. As a sponsor of this year’s conference, BNP Paribas in Canada was proud to provide tickets to community leaders and underrepresented groups to foster meaningful participation and ensure that these marginalized voices had a seat at the table.

With this year’s theme, “Inclusion by design: Breaking barriers, building belonging,” leaders were urged to embed inclusion into the very foundation of work— bridging the gap between strategy and implementation, and transforming policies into tangible outcomes. Sonja Volpe, CEO of BNP Paribas in Canada and recipient of the 2025 Catalyst Honours Champion for her transformative work accelerating workplace inclusion, shared powerful insights on how organizations can embed inclusion into their DNA, ensuring it becomes a pillar of long-term resilience and growth.

From Hiring to Belonging: Building an Inclusive Culture

The days of treating DEI solely as a recruitment exercise are over. Today, inclusion is a growth engine—directly tied to innovation, talent retention, and financial performance.

“When employees feel valued and free to be themselves, they perform better. And when people perform better, the organization performs better.”

Sonja Volpe, CEO, BNP Paribas in Canada

At BNP Paribas in Canada, this means:

• Dedicated DEI recruiters and a neurodiversity hiring program to expand access to diverse talent and build a representational workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we operate in.
• Inclusive leadership training for all Canada managers, as well as trainings for all employees on tackling unconscious bias.
• DEI objectives for all managers to ensure accountability at every level.
• Over 60 DEI events annually, led by our very active network of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• Multiple mentorship and leadership programs for women to create pathways for women’s inclusivity in senior leadership and ensure that inclusion outlasts individual tenures.

Ultimately, inclusion is not a one-time initiative— it is a continuous, collective effort to dismantle barriers and cultivate a culture that embraces all differences so that each employee can be their authentic selves.

Inclusion as a Leadership Priority

For inclusion to truly take root, organizations must view DEI as every leader’s responsibility, rather than solely part of HR’s mandate.

At BNP Paribas in Canada, the DEI team reports directly to the CEO, while regular reviews with the heads of business lines track diversity metrics, benchmarks, challenges, and more— not only keeping DEI top of mind, but ensuring that inclusion is integrated into the strategic and operational planning of the Bank and regular monitoring, rather than treated as an afterthought.

The key insight? The most successful organizations embed inclusion into all aspects of their activities, from leadership and governance to services, operations, employee engagement and even benefits.

Intersectionality: Recognizing That One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Importantly, true inclusion requires an intersectional approach— acknowledging that employees bring multiple identities that can intersect and shape their unique experiences.

Organizations must foster cultures that are inclusive to employees across all their intersecting identities, and recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to inclusion often overlooks the distinct challenges that employees from underrepresented backgrounds can face.

At BNP Paribas in Canada, we have placed a strong emphasis on intersectionality throughout all our inclusion initiatives including:

• Panels on women’s intersecting identities in the workplace.
• Trainings on visible and invisible disabilities.
• Roundtables on the diverse experiences of the Black diaspora and the Asian diaspora.
• Workshops on becoming aware of privilege, intersectionality, and more through our Pride Employee Resource Group.

The Bold Future for Inclusion: Continuous Evolution, Not a Destination

Sonja Volpe stressed that organizations must treat inclusion as a living, evolving practice—not as static achievement or trend.

At BNP Paribas in Canada, this means setting up pathways for women’s inclusivity in senior leadership through our multiple mentorship and female leadership programs. It also involves regular monitoring and benchmarking to keep inclusion efforts dynamic and responsive, as well as ensure that we constantly develop and improve our processes so that every employee is supported and empowered to thrive.

Ultimately, the 2025 Catalyst Honours Conference reaffirmed BNP Paribas in Canada’s longstanding belief that inclusion and belonging are key for our continued success. As the bank for a changing world, it is part of the way we are attracting and retaining top talent, driving innovation, and strengthening resilience for the future.

BNP Paribas in Canada is proud to share that it has once again been awarded the Platinum-level Parity Certification from Women in Governance (WiG)— the highest level of recognition for gender parity in the workplace. This recognition reaffirms BNP Paribas in Canada’s ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive organization where all employees can thrive, and reflects the Bank’s longstanding dedication to achieving gender equity at every level.

First launched in 2017, the Women in Governance Parity Certification is the first of its kind in North America, and recognizes organizations that adopt measures, practices, and programs that promote gender balance and bridge equity gaps in their workplaces. BNP Paribas is one of only a handful of organizations to be certified platinum for 2024— being recognized as a leader in creating a workplace that is inclusive to women in all their intersecting identities.

BNP Paribas in Canada’s key initiatives including promoting parity at the decision-making level of the Bank, multiple leadership and mentorship programs to create a pipeline of female talent, and our emphasis on intersectionality have all played a pivotal role in achieving this prestigious certification for the second year in row. After progressing from silver, to gold, to platinum-level parity, this recognition is a testament to our ongoing journey in advancing gender inclusion, and reaffirms our deep-rooted belief that inclusiveness and belonging are key for our continued success.

Gender parity is not a destination but an ongoing journey. This Platinum Certification is more than just an honour— it is a powerful reflection of our continuous, collective efforts to create a work environment where every individual, regardless of gender and across all intersecting identities, is supported and empowered to thrive. It is also a reminder that we must continuously work together to dismantle barriers and cultivate a culture that embraces all differences so that each employee can be their authentic selves.

Laetitia Fouquet Pimpin, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for BNP Paribas in Canada

In addition to the Platinum Certification, BNP Paribas in Canada is recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion, one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for three years in a row, and one of Montreal’s Top Employers for four years in a row.

We are pleased to announce that BNP Paribas in Canada has earned a top score on the 2025 Disability Index® and has been recognized as a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.

This recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment and work in advancing disability inclusion and creating a workplace where all employees— regardless of their visible or invisible abilities— can feel heard, valued, safe and supported, and can be their authentic selves. This top score reaffirms our longstanding belief that inclusiveness and belonging are key for our continued success.

The Disability Index is the world’s leading third-party benchmarking tool for evaluating corporate disability inclusion and is used by hundreds of companies globally, including over 70% of the Fortune 100 and nearly half of the Fortune 500.

The Disability Index measures performance across six key areas, including Culture & Leadership, Enterprise-Wide Access, Employment Practices, Community Engagement, Supplier Inclusion, and Responsible Procurement.

“Building a truly inclusive workplace means fostering a culture where all employees— across all their intersecting identities— can thrive, including those with disabilities,” said Laetitia Fouquet Pimpin, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for BNP Paribas in Canada. “This top score is the result of continuous efforts and not a destination. It is a reminder that we must continuously work to dismantle barriers, strengthen education and awareness, and cultivate a culture that embraces all differences. And we’re committed to doing it together.”

BNP Paribas in Canada understands that there is always room to advance disability accessibility, and this top score indicates adherence to many leading disability inclusion practices that the Bank is committed to developing and enhancing for all— continuously striving to build a workplace where everyone belongs.

This top score is in addition to the numerous other notable recognitions that the Bank has received this year including one of Montreal’s Top Employers for the fourth consecutive year, one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the third consecutive year, as well as the prestigious platinum-level parity certification by Women in Governance— the highest level awarded to organizations— for the second consecutive year.

Article en anglais uniquement

Co-authored: Sonja Volpe, CEO – BNP Paribas in Canada, and recently appointed Senator Paulette Senior

When we imagine a leader, many of us still conjure up an image of a singular all-knowing decision-maker, maintaining a stereotype that has been deeply ingrained in our society. But it’s time for a shift, one that welcomes and promotes inclusive leadership as the way forward. Read more