Canada’s Leading Defence Companies Expand Collaboration on Leadership Award for Women in STEM
CAE, L3Harris Technologies, and Thales Canada announced that Babcock Canada will be added to the list of companies participating in the Canadian Industrial Leadership Award (CILA). CILA has previously invested nearly $1 million in awards, internships and company mentorships since its launch in 2019.
Women in Canada today still comprise less than 25 percent of employment in STEM occupations. Together, these leading Canadian defence companies are working to change that by advancing CILA’s two goals: to develop and invest in future leaders in aerospace, maritime, defence and security industries and to promote a more diverse workforce.
In 2022, CILA will award up to 10 fully paid internships and executive mentorships to women enrolled in STEM programs at universities and colleges across Canada. In addition, recipients receive a one-time $6,000 bursary and the opportunity for full-time employment upon program completion.
Company leaders made the announcement today with Canadian Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne at CANSEC on June 2, 2022.
“Ensuring that Canada remains a global leader in innovation means creating opportunities for all Canadians and increasing diversity in STEM-related fields. This important initiative supports young Canadian women as they begin careers in the aerospace, marine, defence and security industries. This will ensure Canada has the talent needed to lead the world in the jobs of the future,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“CILA enables industry to invest in and deepen the talent pool, while ensuring the promise of exceptional careers for Canadian women across a range of STEM-related fields,” explained France Hébert, Vice-President & General Manager, CAE Defence and Security Canada.
“Each of CILA’s participating companies has a unique set of advanced engineering capabilities and technologies that will definitely be of interest to women in STEM programs seeking to start promising careers,” said Richard Foster, Vice President, L3Harris Technologies Canada.
“Diversity drives innovation. Together, we’re committed to collaborating in creating the types of opportunities that will lead to better representation of women across our industry, and ultimately to better outcomes,” added Chris Pogue, CEO, Thales Canada.
“In joining CILA, we look forward to creating unique experiences and opportunities for women in STEM programs to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Canadian industry,” said Jerry McLean, CEO of Babcock Canada.
Students interested in applying for the Canadian Industrial Leadership Award can learn about how to register as well as understand the criteria for selection by visiting www.CILAward.ca.
