Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
At Eli Lilly Canada (Lilly), we believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to fulfill our purpose of creating medicines that make life better for people around the world. At our core, we believe that by leveraging the varied backgrounds of our employees – and by driving actionable and measurable strategies to improve DEI, including diversity within our clinical trials – we can better deliver scientific breakthroughs.
Together with our affiliates around the world, we empower a global culture of inclusion to create belonging, expand workforce diversity at all levels across the business, and create equity for employees, patients, and the communities we serve.
We take a data-driven approach to DEI so that our business and team better reflect the world around us. We recognize that the wide array of races, ethnicities, abilities, ages, religions, sexual orientations, genders and political views in our communities serve as a catalyst for innovation and creativity that contribute to the health and prosperity of society. Lilly’s values of integrity, excellence and respect for people foster an environment where employees are encouraged to speak up, share ideas and be fully engaged, while bringing our authentic selves to work every day. We strive to create a culture where each person feels welcomed, respected, valued and heard. Our strategic DEI priorities are designed to empower our organization with inclusion capabilities, embed equity in our processes and elevate our business outcomes. We believe that with an inclusive culture, Lilly can innovate, accelerate and deliver life-changing medicines that make a difference.
Lilly is committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from equity deserving groups including Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, persons living with disabilities, women, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and individuals who are neurodiverse. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and dignity. We act in a manner that is consistent with our obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code and similar legislation in the provinces in which we operate. We provide a workplace that ensures equal opportunity free from discrimination. We also offer reasonable workplace accommodation.
Key Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives and Partnerships
Recruitment that focuses on reaching diverse talent by building awareness and relationships with organizations that serve diverse groups.
Leadership support and executive sponsorship of a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace culture.
Collaboration with external organizations to assess and improve our facilities, processes and working practices.
A Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council with representatives from across our business that enables employees from diverse backgrounds to inform and guide our actions and progress.
Training and resources for employees and people managers, and opportunities to engage in and help advance our culture of inclusion. This includes access to Eli Lilly and Company’s resources such as our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office initiatives, Employee Resource Groups, and Global LGBTQ Ally Program.
Recognition initiatives in support of events like Eid, 2SLGBTQ+ Pride, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Day of La Francophonie, Black History Month, National Indigenous Peoples Day, and International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Ongoing measurement of our DEI progress with a continuous improvement mindset. Our goal is to ensure all employees feel a sense of belonging at Lilly Canada, and that we are mindful of the sustainability of our DEI efforts.
Use of an Indigenous Land Acknowledgement and African Ancestral Acknowledgement to ensure we operate in a culture of humility and gratitude.
Proud Employer Partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, Employer Partner of Indigenous Works, National Partner of Pride at Work Canada/Fierté au travail Canada, and subscriber partner of the Onyx initiative.
Careers at Lilly
Learn more about our careers at Lilly Canada. We would love to have you be a part of our growing team:
https://www.lilly.ca/en-CA/careers
Our People at Lilly
Here is what some of our employees have to say about inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility at Lilly:
“There are so many opportunities to embed DEI into the work we do and the culture we create. It starts with ensuring we have the systems and processes to attract, develop and retain the very best talent that reflects the diversity of the customers we serve, building our knowledge and capabilities, and identifying specific, meaningful and intentional actions to address DEI needs, and measuring our progress to ensure accountability. We are part of a company that has a long history and commitment to DEI across all levels of the organization and there is so much we can leverage, learn and apply locally to help us move forward.
"Our values of respect for people, integrity, and excellence guide our purpose to make life better and all that we do at Lilly. I have worked for Lilly for over 30 years, and a big reason for that is because I have seen these values played out time again by the caring, fun, and motivated people who work here.”
Jackie Hardwick, Director of Strategy and Operations, Co-Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
“If asked about Lilly Canada’s corporate culture and values, I would be sure to highlight the “Team Lilly” approach, where we work hard and play hard to make a difference for Canadians. I would also call out that Lilly is working hard to support its people and its communities. From our Global Day of Service to support local communities, to our dedicated Learning and Development days to our annual, globally-hosted conference focused on DEI, Lilly is making an effort to support its people and strengthen its communities.
My hope is that those who will come after us will be able to feel a true sense of belonging in this industry. We’re in the business of doing hard things. I’m confident that if we apply the same level of innovation and determination to this DEI challenge that we use to bring life-saving and life-changing medicines to those who need them, we’ll be able to get there.”
Patrick Douglas, Associate Director of Pricing, member of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
"Lilly Canada is embarking on a remarkable journey of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Our leadership team’s unwavering commitment and active involvement in championing DEI values are truly inspiring. We’ve established an energetic DEI Council, comprising members from diverse functional backgrounds. This council ensures that our Canadian affiliate is perpetually learning, evaluating, and implementing recruitment and hiring strategies that attract a wide spectrum of candidates. Additionally, we organize vibrant recognition events that celebrate the rich tapestry of diversity within our organization.
For me, DEI isn’t just a corporate initiative; it’s a powerful catalyst. It allows us to embrace our authentic selves, fostering a culture of high performance and innovation. But it doesn’t stop there. In a broader context, DEI propels us toward a more equitable and inclusive world. Together, we can drive positive change not only within healthcare but far beyond its boundaries."
Shihama Fathima, Senior Manager, Customer Response Centre, member of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
“It is important that everyone who works at Lilly can show up as their best selves. By embracing DEI, we create a culture of belonging, and psychological safety. This means people feel safe to lean in, share their perspective, and ensure that our work is well rounded.
Lilly embraces 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and allyship through its Global ALLY program, which includes training to be a supporter, endorser, or a coach. Having peer coaches around the world embedded in the program helps employees feel safe to ask questions and learn more about the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
At Lilly Canada, we celebrate pride festivities. This year we hosted a health equity patient panel on intersectionality, exploring how living with an auto-immune condition and being a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community impacts the patient journey. We also had a celebratory event, where we learned more about the history of pride, and the meaning behind the colours of the pride flag.”
Jason Haug, External Engagement Manager, member of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
“I am proud and inspired to work for a company that values and supports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in all that we do. DEI enables us to work in a supportive and respectful environment where we can thrive and grow. It also helps us better serve patients from diverse backgrounds and communities who deserve the best health care solutions and make a positive impact in the world and our communities by advancing health equity and social impact through initiatives like our United Way giving campaign and Global Day of Service.
I am also passionate about cultivating inclusive experiences and belonging for colleagues and learning from DEI Council members and teammates who bring different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. I believe DEI sparks innovation, trust, and excellence at Lilly by harnessing our collective strengths, talents, and perspectives. We are stronger together. And together, we empower a culture of inclusion, expand workforce diversity, and create equity for employees, patients, and the communities we serve.”
Michelle Muise, Communications Manager, Co-Chair of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
“As the Associate Vice President of Human Resources (HR) for Lilly Canada, I am the executive sponsor of all initiatives created by our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council. I also ensure we are implementing policies, programs, and initiatives that foster a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture. My team and I champion diversity recruitment efforts, we provide training on bias awareness, and ensure equitable opportunities for all employees. Additionally, as the HR leader I collaborate with our entire leadership team to embed DEI principles into our organization's values and practices. We want all Lilly employees to feel respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Being a Quebecois working at our Toronto Head Office for many years now, I could not be prouder of the importance we place on having a strong representation of French speaking employees across the office, within all our functions and especially within our managers.
Having key organizational communications and documents translated has been a great foundation but allowing employees to ask their questions in French at townhall meetings, offering development sessions in French and acting on feedback from our French speaking colleagues have made a positive difference for many!
I aspire to see a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of Canada's population, fosters innovation through diverse perspectives, and prioritizes equity in access to health care solutions. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, our pharmaceutical industry can better serve the needs of all Canadians and contribute to positive societal impact.”
Francois Gilbert. Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Lilly Canada
"We are a medicine company that aims to give people a chance at health, and ultimately better lives. To truly understand people and how we can best help them, we must first hear their experiences, learn from their journeys, and come to the table with open hearts and minds."
"I have seen first-hand in my career the power of diversity and inclusion, as well as the consequences of overlooking differing views and experiences. I am encouraged by the progress we have made at Lilly Canada, but we need to continue to have authentic conversations about how we can be better - as an innovator, employer, and helper of the patient communities we serve."
As the General Manager of Lilly Canada, I am eager to continue our journey to better understand how we can apply a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion lens to ALL the work we do."
Ken Custer, General Manager at Lilly Canada