Gordon Nixon, CEO of RBC Financial Group, today called on business leaders to help unlock the power of diversity, which he called “a competitive advantage for Canada, and a source of national pride for Canadians.”

“The diversity of our country and our workforce is fundamental to our definition of Canada, and to our future prosperity as a nation,” said Nixon.

Speaking at a lunch held by the Women’s Canadian Club of Montreal, Nixon told his audience that as one of the most diverse nations on earth, Canada had more to gain from working towards diversity than virtually any other country.

“Unlocking the power of diversity will enable Canada to become more competitive and dynamic,” he stated. “In a nation as small as Canada, we simply cannot afford to overlook talented and smart people because of gender, ethnic origin or other differences. From a business perspective, diversity is one of our greatest competitive advantages in growing our intellectual capital and ensuring our ability to compete.”

Nixon said that immigration continues to provide Canada with a unique opportunity to revitalize its society with new ideas and new energy.

However, he acknowledged that our ability to attract and utilize the talents of newcomers does not always happen spontaneously.

“It requires a concerted effort by every sector of society, including a leadership role by the business community,” Nixon said.

Nixon, who chairs his organization’s Diversity Leadership Council, said diversity is a responsibility that he and RBC take seriously.

“Not just because it’s the right thing to do. But because it’s good for business,” he said. “We believe that a diverse workforce will help us develop better products and services for an increasingly multi-ethnic, multi-lingual customer base. And we believe that this workforce will be able to devise more creative, effective solutions to the challenges that will undoubtedly be presented by the rapidly changing competitive environment of tomorrow.”

Nixon said the onus is on business leaders to push forward to create an inclusive society where differences are respected and valued for the benefit of all.