Credit Union Young Leaders of Manitoba (CUYLM) is proud to announce its participation in the 50 – 30 Challenge, meeting the criteria not only in 2025, but for the past several terms.
The 50 – 30 Challenge was an initiative between the Government of Canada, Canadian businesses, and diversity organizations. The goal of the initiative was to challenge Canadian organizations to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplaces, while highlighting the benefits of giving all Canadians a seat at the table.
The 50 – 30 Challenge asked that organizations aspire to two goals:
Gender parity (50% women and/or non-binary people); and
Significant representation (30%) of members of other equity-deserving groups, including those who identify as Racialized, Black, and/or People of colour ("Visible Minorities"), People with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples.
2,853 organizations participated in the 50 – 30 Challenge, among them Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA).
The CUYLM Executive Committee, comprised of talented and dedicated members with a diverse mix of expertise, experience, skills, and backgrounds, reflects the diversity of credit union membership and the environment in which the committee operates.
“We strongly believe in the benefits that diverse representation brings – not only to our committee but to the credit union system as a whole,” says Paige Marchand, 2025 Chair of the CUYLM Executive Committee. “We have seen evidence year after year that by having diversity within our committee, we are awarded with new ideas, perspectives, and contexts for decision-making.”
The Manitoba credit union system, using the seven cooperative principles as its compass, was built on the values of openness and inclusivity, believing that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves access to financial services and educational opportunities. This belief is enshrined in non-discriminatory membership policy, ensuring that everyone is welcome to join and benefit from credit union services.
Following that compass and in support of the 50 – 30 Challenge commitment, CUYLM has implemented several DEI initiatives, including:
Truth and Reconciliation: Actively engaging in truth and reconciliation learnings to address historical injustices and promote healing within our respective communities. By acknowledging and learning from the past, the system can build a more inclusive and equitable future.
DEI Training and Development: Providing ongoing DEI training and development opportunities for committee members, enhancing understanding, fostering empathy, and equipping leaders with the skills needed to champion DEI within our provincial system.
Inclusive Recruitment Practices: Established inclusive recruitment practices to ensure the committee reflects the diversity of our collective memberships. By prioritizing diversity in the onboarding process, CUYLM aims to create a more inclusive culture.
Ian Gould, Vice-Chair of the CUYLM Executive Committee, shares “DEI is not just a buzzword for us; it is a fundamental aspect of our identity and mission. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we honor our founding cooperative values and strengthen our commitment to education and community empowerment. We call on all credit unions to join us in this vital endeavor.”
The CUYLM Executive Committee urges all credit unions to recognize the importance of DEI and to invest in initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Presenting a united front in this space will create a credit union system that is not only more just and equitable, but also more innovative and resilient. Together, we can lead the way in building a financial system that truly serves everyone.
Here’s how your credit union can get started:
Learn more and access a variety of resources prepared by the 50 – 30 Challenge Ecosystem Partners to assist organizations in their efforts toward diverse and inclusive workplaces by visiting the Government of Canada website.