Institutional investors in Canada have a unique opportunity to transform the financial landscape by adopting the values of cultural diversity and inclusion. A gap exists between culturally diverse communities and the majority that is marked by economic disparities and obstacles to career advancement. Less than 1% of private equity and venture capital funds in Canada are managed by managers from culturally diverse communities; this is an opportunity that has yet to be seized. After all, the data shows that diverse management teams post better performances, bolstered by innovative points of view and a better understanding of global market dynamics. An investment in diversity is an investment in sustainability and innovation, and a 10% increase in management team diversity can improve EBITDA by around 1%. The Canadian Club of Montreal invites institutional investors to join it on April 29, 2024 for a critical debate on the challenges of diversity and the strategies that should be developed to harness its huge potential. These strategies will look at more than just its economic value; they will strive to firmly establish equity and inclusion within Canada's financial ecosystem in such a way that they enrich culturally diverse communities and promote their role in the economy.

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Biography

Annick Charbonneau

A serial technology entrepreneur, Annick Charbonneau has founded and managed two tech companies over the past decade. A fervent promoter of the presence of women in entrepreneurship, in 2021 she launched Accelia Capital, a venture capital fund whose mission is to invest in innovative companies, owned or led by women. At $60 M, it is one of the most important venture capital funds to propel female entrepreneurship in North America. 

Passionate about impact investing, Annick is regularly invited to share her vision on prestigious forums, such as McGill Dobson Center for Entrepreneurship and John Molson School of Business.  She also sits on the board of directors of Fiera Capital, an investment management firm with nearly 165 billion dollars in assets under management.

A graduate in International Business from Pepperdine University in California, Annick also holds a certificate in Artificial Intelligence:  Implications for Business Strategy from MIT Sloan School of Management. She is a passionate traveler and enjoys skiing, cycling, and running.

Wils Theagene

With thirty years of investment expertise, Wils Théagène stands out in venture capital and private equity, devoting himself to sustainable finance and the advancement of diversity. He pioneered the bold Equity 253 fund of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, endowed with 250 million dollars, aiming to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs and fund managers. His progressive vision advocates for ethical finance that is accessible to all. An investment manager at Hydro-Québec Capitech, he has left a mark in the field of clean technology venture capital investments. His qualifications in finance and governance fuel his significant involvement in the progress of SMEs across Quebec and Canada. He wields considerable influence by sitting on various boards of directors, notably at Filaction, Caisse Desjardins des Grands Boulevards, the Afro-entrepreneur fund, and Venture for Canada. As the founder of Citadelle Capital, Wils commits to delivering financial performance while enriching the social fabric and bridging the gap of inequalities for minority communities.

Jean Vincent

Président du Conseil d’administration de Société de crédit commercial autochtone (« SOCCA »).
Président du conseil d’administration de Société d’épargne des Autochtones du Canada (« SÉDAC »).
Président et membre du conseil d’administration de l’Association nationale des sociétés autochtones de financement (NACCA).
Membre des comités de retraite (employés – dirigeants) des régimes de rentes du Groupe Promutuel.
Membre fiduciaire du Fonds pour les logements du marché destinés aux Premières Nations.
Commissaire de la Commission des champs de bataille nationaux.
Membre du conseil d’administration de la Fondation Marie-Vincent
Vice-Grand Chef de la Nation huronne-wendat de 2008 à 2018.
Détenteur des titres de Fellow de l’Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec et de Gestionnaire financier autochtone accrédité (GFAA).
 

Martine St-Victor

Martine St-Victor is a communications strategist and the General Manager of Edelman in Montréal; one of the 60 offices across the globe, making it the most important communication firm in the world.  
In addition, Martine is a monthly columnist at the Montreal Gazette and La Presse and she’s a weekly collaborator on Radio-Canada television and radio.  During federal and provincial election period, Martine does analysis on CTV News. 
Martine is a Trustee on various Boards: the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, the KANPE Foundation, the Pensionnat du Saint-Nom-de-Marie Foundation, the think tank IRPP (Institute for Research on Public Policy), the Fondation de l’Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal and Plus1.
Martine St-Victor is a founding member of the Black Opportunity Fund and Vice-Chair of the Québec section of IWF (International Women’s Forum).

Biographies 2023