Five years ago, BlackNorth Initiative founder Dr. Wes Hall spoke to then-Enbridge President and CEO Al Monaco about signing its pledge.
Specifically, committing organizations across Canada to specific actions and measurable outcomes aimed at ending systemic anti-Black racism.
“He indicated to me, ‘Wes, I am not a bandwagon jumper. I’ll take my time, speak with my employees and make a decision after that,’ ” Dr. Hall would later recall in a LinkedIn post.
A few months later, in November 2020, “when no one was paying attention, and without public fanfare, not only did Enbridge sign the BlackNorth CEO Pledge, they made these commitments—to increase the diversity of its board to 25% racialized and ethnic groups; along with 28% of its workforce by 2025,” recalled Dr. Hall.
“Al has created a legacy of equity, diversity and inclusion in this country that is unique to any other retired or retiring CEO.”
Today, Enbridge remains committed to fostering a more inclusive, high-performance workforce that better reflects the communities where we operate, and supports business outcomes.1
Last night in Calgary, Mr. Monaco—who retired from Enbridge on Jan. 1, 2023—was presented with the BNI’s Lifetime Achievement Award during its Alberta chapter summit.
Mr. Monaco also took part in an in-depth conversation with BNI Alberta chapter chair Dr. Chika Onwuekwe as part of the evening’s program.
“The support and engagement from Enbridge continues to be an invaluable part of our work at the BlackNorth Initiative,” says Dahabo Ahmed-Omer, CEO of the BlackNorth Initiative.
(TOP PHOTO: Former Enbridge President and CEO Al Monaco, left, and BlackNorth Initiative Alberta chapter chair Dr. Chika Onwuekwe pictured at Hyatt Regency Calgary.)
