Embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in our operational strategies and our professional development, well-being, and career advancement programs empowers our CGI Partners to be their complete and authentic selves at work. Allyship is a foundational element for advancing our commitment to DE&I.

Recognizing the need for our professionals and consultants to act as allies, we encourage and support affinity groups across our global operations. These groups, which bring together individuals with a common background, interest or purpose, play a crucial role in promoting understanding and celebrating our differences. Their work is instrumental in cultivating a more open and supportive workplace and a culture of thoughtful allyship.

Effecting change with a strong commitment to allyship and respect

At CGI, ensuring LGBTQIA+* inclusion in the workplace is rooted to our longstanding core value of respect and steadfast commitment to equity. This guides our actions worldwide and underpins our goal to be intentionally inclusive by encouraging and supporting CGI Partners to act as allies.

Fostering allyship is based on our core leadership behaviors, including the ability to communicate, listen and learn from the lived experiences of others. It plays a significant role in mitigating unconscious bias and creating safe and inclusive spaces where diversity can thrive.

Allyship is a concrete way to bring emotional intelligence, empathy and understanding into the broader organization. It helps to ensure that everyone feels connected, understood, and supported, thereby fostering a positive workplace culture where everyone can thrive professionally and personally.

Concrete action to drive change

Meaningful progress toward LGBTQIA+ inclusivity requires concrete action. Through various initiatives, we aim to raise awareness, amplify voices, address biases, provide mentorship and foster an inclusive environment. Some of these initiatives include:

  • Ongoing thoughtful adaptation of policies and environments in line with LGBTQIA+ realities (e.g., gender transitioning CGI Partners, parental leave, etc.), as well as gender-inclusive updates to our dress code
  • A clear commitment, embedded in our Management Foundation, to maintaining a professional workplace that respects the dignity of all CGI partners in line with our culture and values.
  • Learning and development courses on our global learning platform CGI Academia, designed to address unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, and other discriminatory practices. These include using AI-enabled courses to simulate real-world situations to develop skills for managing and responding in such scenarios.
  • Training and guidelines on gender identity, naming and inclusive language to help appropriately interact with our diverse internal and external ecosystems that include clients, students, academic institutions and non-governmental and non-profit organizations
  • Dedicated internal communication channels for our professionals to stay in touch, share ideas and receive support from each other.
  • Regular social and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and events to enable our professionals and partner organizations to network and discuss LGBTQIA+ milestones and challenges.
  • Internal and external initiatives and advocacy led by both CGI and CGI Partners (Pride affinity groups and events, social media campaigns, etc.) across many regions to support members of the LGBTQIA+ community

Empowering LGBTQ+ networks

Our internal “Pride” networks worldwide, driven and supported by LGBTQIA+flhbt members and allies, promote awareness and a culture of allyship. These networks are adapted to local needs and cultures and spearhead participation in local “Pride” events. They also create supportive communities, build external partnerships and work closely with leaders to ensure policies, recruitment processes, and confidential support mechanisms are in place to allow for a truly inclusive workplace culture.

All our CGI Partners are encouraged to participate in these networks, which also offer opportunities for career development, improved visibility and representation and leadership skills.

Staying focused and open to change

Fostering allyship is a dynamic and ongoing process that requires intentionality and commitment driven by genuine and purposeful effort from each of us. In reflecting on our progress to support and advocate for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, we recognize that challenges remain and will evolve as our societies do.

As we move forward in this journey, we welcome each other's diversities as a lever for innovation, inspiration and intercultural learning.

*“+” refers to all gender identities and sexual orientations not specifically covered by the acronym. An example is Two-Spirited, which is a pan-Indigenous identity.