Amplify. Elevate. Celebrate.

Black Employee Resource Groups

Scotiabank actively supports Employee Resource Groups, including the Caribbean Network and the Black Employee Network. The Caribbean Network highlights the creativity, rich history and culture of Caribbean people by providing a social and professional network for employees, and positively contributing to the Caribbean communities. The Black Employee Network advances the inclusion of Black employees by providing development opportunities and creating a pipeline of diverse talent throughout the organization. Scotiabank is proud to share that the Black Employee Network is a Global ERG with chapters across our geographical footprint.

BlackNorth Initiative CEO Pledge

As a signatory to the BlackNorth Initiative CEO pledge and through Diversity and Inclusion goals, Scotiabank is committed to meeting the representation of Black employees in senior leadership to 3.5%, and the Black student workforce to 5% or more by 2025. As of Oct 31, 2022, 2.8% of the VP+ population identify as a Black person and 6.1% of the student population identify as a Black person.

McKinsey’s Black Leadership Academy 

Through continued participation in the McKinsey’s Black Leadership Academy Program, Scotiabank is building the talent pipeline of Black leaders. The McKinsey’s Management Accelerator Program focuses on developing the skills of mid-level managers, and the Black Executive Leadership Program provides executives with an opportunity to refine their leadership skills.

Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Training

All Scotiabank employees and contingent workers globally are required to complete the Advancing Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging course. This learning experience was designed to outline foundational knowledge on Inclusion at the Bank and advance Scotiabank’s Inclusive Culture through conscious inclusion. The course equips employees to identify and confront discrimination, harassment, and racism, and to be active and effective allies.

Advancing Allyship

Scotiabank is committed to building a culture of allyship. An ally is any person who actively promotes and aspires to advance a culture of inclusion to create affirming and welcoming environments for everyone. Our goal is to create a great place to work and to be the employer and Bank of choice for the diverse communities we serve. We are dedicated to improving awareness and education on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) among our employees, as well as inclusive leadership, increased support in confronting racism, advancing inclusion, equitable talent management and professional development, and increased organizational capacity on DEI.

The Scotia Inspire Program 

This program is designed to develop diverse high-potential Directors and VP talent across Scotiabank with a focus on Black people, Indigenous Peoples, People of Colour, and women. Focusing on how you show up, Scotia Inspire provides a highly personalized development journey for each participant by pairing them with both a mentor and a coach to build on their leadership capabilities.

Black-led Business Financing Program 

Scotiabank’s Black-led Business Financing Program commits to providing $100 million in capital through term financing for both start-ups and established businesses. The program supports Black-led businesses growth through access to financial solutions, advice, and the benefit of offers from Bank partners. Businesses that have a minimum Black ownership of 50% or more and have annual sales up to $15 million will be eligible to apply for loans under the program.

Hockey for all 

This innovative platform by Scotiabank promotes diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in hockey. Through sponsorships, partnerships and programs, it has benefited over 290,000 children, youth, and athletes by breaking down cultural and financial barriers to the game. Recently, Scotiabank announced a collaboration with UNINTERRUPTED Canada as presenting sponsor of their original documentary, BLACK ICE. The film explores the journey of Black hockey players, highlighting their often overlooked and marginalized contributions to the game.

Humber College Youth Transition Program

In 2021, Scotiabank announced a four-year partnership with Humber College’s Youth Transition Program. The program is a free academic access program that helps students from equity deserving groups, the majority identifying as Black people and Caribbean people, find their path to higher education by providing them with advising, mentoring, career exploration and core academic skill-building. The program is unique in that it recognizes and removes some of the traditional barriers to education for the most equity deserving communities by providing free transportation and food for all participants.

Black Physician’s Association of Ontario (BPAO)

Scotiabank and MD Financial in partnership with the Canadian Medical Association announced a $1 million commitment over five years to support the BPAO. The partnership will support improved health outcomes for Black Ontarians, ensure practising Black physicians have opportunities for professional development, as well as supporting advocacy for students and physicians who face anti-Black racism.

CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals

Scotiabank has pledged $200,000 to the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals, a Toronto-based charity committed to advancing the economic and social development of Black youth facing multiple barriers to employment. The program provides participants with skills development, mentorship, and networking opportunities for Black youth in fields such as Social Services, Trades, IT, Coding, Entertainment trades, and Hospitality (culinary arts).