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Diversity, equity and inclusion

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion

At Sun Life Global Investments and Sun Life, we embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) because it unleashes creativity, fosters innovation, and drives value.  Above all, it's the right thing to do - for you, our clients, and our communities.


Our goals: 

 

 

“I am proud to be the first woman president of Sun Life Global Investments. My goal is to help increase diversity in the investment industry. We have a responsibility to ensure everyone is comfortable managing their financial wealth. As investors in capital, we have an ability to effect positive change in society and the environment.” 

-Oricia Smith, President, SLGI Asset Management Inc. and Senior-Vice President, Investment Solutions, Sun Life Canada 

 

Create an inclusive and respectful work environment where employees thrive

Education:

  • Kaleidoscope. A formal training platform to address & eliminate systemic racism.
  • The Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Awareness. Formal training to learn about Indigenous history, protocol, etiquette, and approach.
  • Sustainability training. Support our commitment to sustainable investing, which helps us deliver long-term value for our clients and drives the transition to a low-carbon and more inclusive economy.
  • DE&I Glossary. Learn more about what terms mean, and how to use them when communicating (internal and external).

Community:

  • Inclusion networks. Employee resource groups for many marginalized groups of people.
  • Diversity Dialogues. With Jacques Goulet, President, Sun Life Canada – a series of employee events to support ongoing discussions and education on important DE&I topics.

Build diverse teams and encourage diverse perspectives

Our commitments:

  • Board and leadership diversity. Set very clear targets to employ female and under-represented minorities. Learn more. 
  • Indigenous relations and working towards reconciliation. Learn more. 
  • The removal of anti-Black systemic barriers affecting the lives of Black Canadians. Learn more. 

Scholarships:

Help our diverse spectrum of clients build wealth and manage risk

  • Sub-advisor screening & measurement. We have monitored and measured our sub-advisors’ commitment to DE&I since 2018.
  • Sun Life Global Investments Women’s Investment Community. A free online resource centre with content to empower and inspire women in the investment industry.
  • Host, sponsor and participate in women-focused industry events. Offer advisors professional development opportunities at our annual Women’s Investment Symposium event. Sponsor and participate in ‘women in wealth’ events to help connect and grow the wealth management industry.

 

More about our DE&I commitments


Building a diverse workforce

As a commitment to our people and our business partners, Sun Life has set the following goals for 2025:  

  • 50% women in Vice-President (VP)+ roles globally. On track – 35% (FY21)
  • 25% underrepresented ethnicities in VP+ roles in North America. On track – 16% (FY21)
  • 3.5% black employees in VP+ roles in Canada. Part of a series of commitments as signatory of the BlackNorth Initiative. On track – 2% (FY21)
  • 5% black employees within student workforce in Canada. On track – 4% (FY21)
  • Balanced gender representation on the Board of Directors. On track – 42% women (FY21)
  • Progressive Aboriginal Relations Certification (for Canadian operations). On track
  • 5% diverse supplier direct spend target in North America. On track – 1.6% (FY21)


Learn more about Sun Life’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) Strategy 2025.
 


Improving Indigenous Relations

Canadians must recognize our history and acknowledge the heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
 

We are actively working to remove barriers and strengthen relationships with our Indigenous clients, employees, and communities. Our commitment to work towards reconciliation aligns with four key performance drivers: 1) Our Leadership Commitments, 2) Indigenous Employees, 3) Indigenous Business, and 4) Indigenous Communities.
 

Our promise to be an inclusive company is reflected in our actions. We’re passionate about doing our part to advance truth and reconciliation as outlined in the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92.

 

Read our full commitment to Indigenous relations.

 

 

Removing anti-Black systemic barriers

We’ve signed The BlackNorth Initiative: a commitment to removing anti-Black systemic barriers affecting the lives of Black Canadians. This initiative is led by the Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic Racism. 

Achievements: