Photo: Contributed

The head of Tolko Industries pledged today to make changes in his company to support the advancement of women into more leadership positions.

Brad Thorlakson, Tolko’s president and CEO, joined dozens of B.C. CEOs when he added his name to the Minerva Diversity Pledge, pledging to “steer the company toward a more inclusive and diverse future.”

The pledge grew out of a 2015 report, released by Minerva, called the Face of Leadership BC Score Card.

The Minerva Foundation is a B.C. charitable organization that aims to help women and girls gain the confidence and skills they need to reach their leadership potential. Its report measured gender diversity in leadership amongst the largest companies in the province.

The day the report was released, 11 CEOs publicly signed Minerva’s gender diversity pledge.

When Thorlakson added his signature today, he become one of a growing list of CEOs to do so.

“We are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive workplace at Tolko,” Thorlakson said in a statement after signing the pledge.

“From a business perspective, a diverse and inclusive workplace makes companies stronger; from a personal perspective, as the father of two strong and capable young women, it makes me proud to know Tolko is taking steps to build a better future for all.”

Tina Strehlke of the Minerva Foundation said Thorlakson’s support is another small step towards battling gender inequality in British Columbia.

“Research shows that buy-in from top leaders is critical to advancing women in the workplace. CEOs who make gender diversity part of their strategic agenda are more likely to reap the benefits of diversity including increased profits, employee engagement and innovation,” she said.

Minerva’s diversity pledge features seven principles. Current signatories include the CEOs of Canfor, Best Buy Canada, BC Lotteries, and the Jim Pattison Group.