Tourism Winnipeg

In addition to its workforce across the country, Canada Life has employees located at international subsidiaries in the U.K., Germany, Ireland and Isle of Man. "It's an amazing growth strategy," said Henaire. "We have a lot of long-service employees. So many of our leaders have come from Winnipeg and they have stayed, and they have gone to other parts of our organization. We're just so fortunate in Winnipeg to have a talented pool of individuals to grab from. That's definitely been part of our success in the past and certainly as we look forward." Henaire noted that more than 3,000 team members currently work in Winnipeg, adding that the commitment to the city is based on the foundation the company laid out during its founding in the 1800s. "We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusion, and the quality of our workforce," said Henaire. "We truly are a well-diversified workplace in Winnipeg and across Canada, with a focus on trying to be more diverse because the more voices we have the better we can serve our customers." Canada Life is one of the top 100 companies for which to work in the country, though Henaire credits that in large part to the commitment and loyalty of its employees. "They really have a value system that aligns with what we're trying to portray for the company," said Henaire. "They're focused on serving the needs of customers and fellow employees. They build relationships and that is so critical." It coincides with the reputation that Manitoba has of being friendly and neighbourly. "Sometimes people don't appreciate the talent that is coming out of Manitoba, and Winnipeg specifically," said Henaire. "They're just very talented individuals. That is what we need to help build our businesses. The values that they bring are commitment, loyalty and a strong work ethic. Those are such key attributes to any business' success. You put that in with a passion and the skill and it's just a great formula." Empowering its employees to pursue philanthropic initiatives, be it through volunteering or donating, is what allows Canada Life to be an upstanding corporate citizen in the neighbourhoods in which it serves. The company teams up with organizations to support and bring awareness to a wide range of events, fundraisers and programs. "Our employees have a volunteer day when they can go support the organizations in the community that are important to them," said Henaire. "I think that's what builds the legacy. We support hundreds of organizations." The Canada Life Community Food Drive has contributed more than $1.3 million to Food Banks Canada and to local food banks throughout the country over the past 15 years. Canada Life has long supported United Way. In the past decade, Canada Life has contributed more than $16 million in corporate donations to United Ways across Canada. These contributions are in addition to the company's annual workplace campaigns. Plus, in 2021, the Canada Life Student Success Drive raised $34,251 in collaboration with United Way Centraide Canada. The donations are supporting local agencies to connect students with community mentors. "The community in Winnipeg is very close," said Henaire. "Your reputation, your brand is really important in Winnipeg because we always cross paths with so many people that we know—whether they're involved with a volunteer organization or through your post-secondary education—you run into those relationships again and again." Courtesy of Canada Life Y E S ! W I N N I P E G I N V E S T O R S 18 THE WINNIPEG INVESTOR YES! WINNIPEG INVESTORS

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