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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 18, 2015) - Today, Catalyst Canada announced the names of the 2015 Catalyst Canada Honours Champions, exceptional corporate leaders who have made transformational contributions to advancing women in their organizations, industries, and communities by championing inclusive workplaces. The 2015 Champions are: Bill Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of KPMG in Canada and Chair of KPMG's Americas Region; Cynthia Hansen, Senior Vice President, Enbridge Pipelines Inc., and Colleen Moorehead, Chief Client Officer, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

"Today, we honour and celebrate these remarkable leaders who, by action and example, are accelerating the diversity and inclusion agenda in corporate Canada," says Alex Johnston, Executive Director, Catalyst Canada. "Each one of these individuals has taken bold steps to create inclusive workplaces where all smart, talented people, regardless of background, have an opportunity to succeed."

The Catalyst Canada Honours annually celebrates champions of gender diversity in Canadian business, recognizing the critical role of individual leadership in creating workplaces where women and men representing every dimension of diversity can be successful. Nominees are evaluated in a rigorous process, and this year Champions have been named in two categories: Company/Firm Leader and Business Leader. Catalyst research repeatedly reinforces the benefits of inclusive workplaces, and shows that inclusion is linked to innovation and team citizenship, overall team productivity, and stronger business results.

"Congratulations to Catalyst Canada's 2015 honourees, three exemplary leaders whose personal commitment to diversity and inclusion continues to propel their companies forward and inspire others," says Bill Downe, CEO, BMO Financial Group and Chair, Catalyst Canada Advisory Board. "Developing all of Canada's talent, ensuring the same quality of opportunity is available to all, this is how we are increasing our country's competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy. The time for debate is long past; it's time to lead, and we thank these Champions for rising to the challenge."

About the 2015 Catalyst Canada Honours Champions

• Bill Thomas (Company/Firm Leader Champion) is a transformational leader who has built a diverse and inclusive culture at KPMG in Canada - promoting opportunities for women, visible minorities, and members of the LGBT community, and earning a reputation for challenging the status quo in the process. Under his leadership, the number of women partners at KPMG has increased since 2009, and the percentage of women on the firm's board of directors has grown to more than 30%. Mr. Thomas' inspiring leadership has been recognized within the organization as well as the broader Canadian business community.
• Cynthia Hansen (Business Leader Champion) has been a tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion (D&I) at Enbridge, establishing an enterprise-wide D&I steering committee and leading the formalization of D&I efforts throughout the organization. She is a strong champion of women's advancement and leadership development, and she has had more than 200 mentees and protégés, more than half of whom are women, Aboriginals, visible minorities, people with disabilities, or members of the LGBT community. Ms. Hansen's deep respect for people and her commitment to fostering inclusive work environments make her a role model for business leaders everywhere.
• Colleen Moorehead (Business Leader Champion) is a trailblazer for women in corporate Canada. As Chief Client Officer at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, she pioneered the General Counsel Report, a first-in-Canada client reporting initiative that institutionalized the reporting of D&I at the firm. Earlier in her career, she co-founded the acclaimed Judy Project, a leading executive forum for women that has to date educated and advanced more than 300 senior women executives from over 40 national and global sponsor organizations. With more than 20 years of executive experience, Ms. Moorehead's efforts to support, mentor and advance women have helped change the climate for Canadian women in business.

The 2015 Catalyst Canada Honours Champions will be presented with their awards at the Catalyst Canada Honours Dinner on Tuesday, November 10. The dinner will follow the Catalyst Canada Honours Conference, a unique and dynamic opportunity for business leaders across the country to discuss best practices in inclusive leadership initiatives and learn strategies to advance sustainable change in corporate Canada.

ABOUT CATALYST

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization expanding opportunities for women and business. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan, and more than 800 preeminent corporations as members, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work.

ABOUT THE CATALYST CANADA HONOURS

The Catalyst Canada Honours celebrates champions who advance women and inclusive workplaces in Canadian business. Recognizing that inclusive workplaces are good for business, these exceptional individuals serve as powerful role models for Canadian corporate leaders.