b'SKILLED TRADES ROUNDTABLEI think a career in the skilled trades is a I think a career in the skilled trades valuable choice for Indigenous women or women in general; however, thereis a valuable choice for Indigenous needs to be more effort put into making it a welcoming workspace for women.women or women in general; however, Were not there yet.there needs to be more effort put into Desjarlais: I see a lot more women now, even with third-party contractors. Its nicemaking it a welcoming workspace for to see other women working with other companies out there. women. Were not there yetLaronde: I would say theres progress inWhitney Desjarlais, Pimee Well Servicingterms of awarenessthat the construc-tion companies are aware that there needs to be real change in terms of being adaptable, [for instance], recog-nizing that the woman is in most casesIt also helps the company with employeerelying on assistance to being completely the primary caregiver. retention and attraction; people willfinancially independent. Sixty per cent WHAT ARE THE BROADERwant to work for a company that hasof the women we serve are single moms, BENEFITS OF BRINGING MOREflexible schedules and [considers] work- and their children follow that path as well, WOMENPARTICULARLYlife balance a priority. which is remarkable.INDIGENOUS WOMENINTOMoen: [A study of clients who wereKragnes: Diversity of thought is huge! THE SKILLED TRADES? formerly unemployed and underem- When you look at any type of inclusion, Laronde: There are a lot of statistics thatployed] showed that for every dollar thethe more different types of perspectives show the advantages; an organizationgovernment invested in our work, thereyou have, the more creative solutions you that represents the diverse elements ofwas a six- or seven-dollar return for them.have. Also, women tend to pay more society is a more productive organization.Its remarkable seeing women go fromattention to details. Ive heard time and Turner is North Americas #1 General Builder & industry leader in major market segments. Turner recognizes the importance of active caring, innovation and fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. OUR SERVICESPreconstruction Services Integrated Project DeliveryConstruction Management Building Information ModellingGeneral Contracting Equipment Planning & SupplyDesign-Build CommissioningConnect with us!140 Yonge Street, 4th FloorToronto, ON M5C 1X6614-607-8300www.turnerconstruction.comAboriginal BUSINESS REPORT89'