Embracing a practice of inclusion to transform workplace culture

In today’s Canadian society, our expectations of work are changing and our workplaces need to adapt. This book will help you understand your role as a change agent and answer the question “How can I best contribute to transforming my workplace to work better for everyone?”

While we are all at different places on our journey to understand, support, and take action towards Truth and Reconciliation and advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in our workplaces, we all have a role to play. This book will help you define your role in transforming workplace culture and, importantly, understand the nuances of culture change in the context of Canadian workplaces.

Active Allyship

Active Allyship

Embracing a practice of inclusion to transform workplace culture



Stay informed about the Fall 2025 book launch.

How can I best contribute to transforming my workplace?

Active Allyship provides practical, evidence-based solutions to establish an allyship practice intended to advance positive change in workplaces and transform your workplace culture to attract and sustain a diverse workforce—one that is representative of Canadian society.

The practical strategies offered in Active Allyship are brought to life through the stories of eight active allies: Bai Bintou Kaira, Jessica Vandenberghe, Kim Hanson, Leanne Holtvogt, Philippe Lepage, Rob Jackson, Stryker Calvez, and Susan Lomas.

Thank you for joining us on your journey to allyship!

Meet the contributors

  • Dr. Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley, Lead Author

    Dr. Jocelyn Peltier-Huntley, Ph.D., M.Sc., P. Eng. is an EDI researcher and professional mechanical engineer with 20 years of experience leading change. She was recognized by the YWCA Saskatoon as a Woman of Distinction in 2024 in the STEM category and in 2022 by Engineers Canada as an EDI Champion. Jocelyn is a 2021 Vanier scholar and completed her Ph.D. project, “Activating Allies” in 2024 at the University of Saskatchewan. After thirteen years working at Canadian mining and mineral processing sites in technical and leadership roles, Jocelyn is now focused on leading and inspiring positive change through EDI research, facilitation, public speaking, and consulting. 

  • Bai Bintou Kaira, Co-Author

    Bai Bintou Kaira, MBA, P.Eng. is a Senior Advisor at Nutrien, leading data science initiatives to enhance efficiency in potash mining. With mining experience at Mosaic and Nutrien, she blends technical expertise with a passion for STEM advocacy and inclusion. She serves on the board of the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning and chairs the Scholarship Committee at WIM/WiN-SK. A recipient of the Dalhousie Governor’s Award and the 3M National Student Fellowship, she is also the founder of GAPhealth, a health-tech startup improving healthcare access in Africa. Bintou holds an MBA from USC and a Bachelor’s in Engineering from Dalhousie University.

  • Jessica Vandenberghe, Co-Author

    Jessica Vandenberghe, P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon.), is a Dene Thá First Nation member, Sixties Scoop survivor, and engineering leader. With two engineering degrees from the University of Alberta, she has worked across oil sands, mining, infrastructure, and academia. She is the Assistant Dean, Community and Culture at the University of Victoria and owner of Guiding Star Consulting. Passionate about equity, diversity, inclusion, and Truth and Reconciliation, she advocates for meaningful change in engineering. As a mother and leader at the intersection of multiple equity-deserving groups, she believes in walking together to heal, rebuild trust, and foster allyship.

  • Kim Hanson, Co-Author

    Kim Hanson is a Mine Safety Supervisor specializing in underground operations with certifications as a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) and Primary Care Paramedic (PCP). With years of experience in health and safety, she is passionate about fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. As one of the few women in non-traditional mining roles, she has advocated for change through advisory councils and allyship efforts. She is dedicated to raising awareness of the intersection between mental health and inclusion, striving for a future where everyone—especially her children—can embrace their true selves without fear, knowing they are valued and appreciated.

  • Leanne Holtvogt, Co-Author

    Leanne Holtvogt, BCom, CPA, CMA, is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, shaped by her lifelong connection to The War Amps. A double-arm amputee, she gained resilience through their programs, sparking her interest in problem-solving and leading to a career in accounting and IT integration. Leanne uses her lived experience to drive change, serving on her company’s Persons with Disabilities Inclusion Network and championing proactive accommodations. She believes in breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and ensuring workplaces are inclusive for all, where diverse voices are heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.

  • Philippe Lepage, Co-Author

    Philippe Lepage, MBA, P.Eng. is a mining professional dedicated to fostering positive change through diversity and inclusion. With a Mechanical Engineering degree, an MBA, and 28+ years in underground potash operations, he champions inclusive, safe workplaces. Currently Director of Mine Development at Nutrien, he supports all potash mine sites. Philippe serves on the boards of WIM/WiN-SK and the USask Engineering Advancement Trust and was recognized with the 2024 Catalyst Honours Award for Business Leadership. Beyond work, he embraces creativity and fitness, teaching and performing aerial arts, blending his passion for leadership, advocacy, and personal growth.

  • Rob Jackson, Co-Author

    Rob Jackson, P.Eng. is a registered professional Mining Engineer and seasoned General Manager with over a decade of leadership in Saskatchewan’s potash industry. His career spans operations, maintenance, and engineering, with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and mentorship. As an active Saskatchewan Mining Association board member, Rob advocates for industry-wide improvements. He is passionate about fostering diversity, inclusion, and allyship in mining, believing leaders have a responsibility to champion and support others. Through mentorship and open dialogue, he empowers teams, promotes respect, and creates workplaces where everyone can thrive.

  • Dr. Stryker Calvez, Co-Author

    Dr. Stryker Calvez, Ph.D., is a devoted champion for reconciliation and the advancement of social cohesion between and within diverse communities. Working with leaders and community members, his mission is to dismantle systemic barriers and cultivate an environment where inclusivity and a sense of belonging thrive. Through extensive collaboration with organizations, communities, and individuals who possess varied lived experiences, Stryker diligently researches and formulates strategies and best practices aimed at enhancing equity both in society and the workplace. His primary focus is on initiatives and objectives that encourage social cohesion by promoting reconciliation, inclusion, and belonging, all while striving to build institutions free from barriers. His unwavering passion for reconciliation and social cohesion drives his commitment to creating constructive learning environments that support safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.

  • Susan Lomas, Co-Author

    Susan Lomas, P.Geo. is a professional geologist with over 30 years of experience in exploration and mining, specializing in geological modeling, resource estimation, due diligence reviews, and NI 43-101 reporting. Her career has taken her to remote sites worldwide, working with junior exploration firms, operating mines, and large consulting firms before founding her own consultancy in 2006.

    Passionate about workplace safety and inclusion, Susan founded the Mine Shift (formerly Me Too Mining Association) to address issues of harassment, bullying, and discrimination in the mining industry. In recognition of her advocacy, she was named one of WIM (UK)’s 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining in 2018.