Gerard Etienne

Gerard Etienne

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ottawa, Ontario

HR consultant, Employment Equity & Human Rights Advocate - Diversity & Inclusion Expert

Gerard Etienne is a Keynote Speaker, Human Resource Consultant and Diversity & Inclusion Expert. He is an outspoken supporter of human rights and employment equity who has worked in human resources as a vice president in a large financial institution and as a director general in the public sector. He is a sought-after expert on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in order to boost innovation, leadership, technical excellence, and employee engagement. He has a wealth of experience working with senior executives. Gerard's experience in and across many different sectors and settings has made him adaptable, sensitive, broad-minded, and extremely valuable to those with whom he collaborates.

GERARD ETIENNE BIOGRAPHY

Gerard Etienne is a Senior Associate with Diversipro. He is a passionate advocate for Human Rights and Employment Equity. Gerard has held positions in human resources as a vice president in a major financial institution and director general in public service.

Gerard Etienne is a trusted advisor about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to improve innovation, leadership, technical excellence and employee engagement. He has extensive experience working with senior leaders. Gerard’s experience in and across many different sectors and settings has made him flexible, sensitive, broadly based and extremely useful to those with whom he works.

He has partnered with diverse teams, bringing together former senior public servants, not-for-profit executives, private sector leaders and academics. Gerard Etienne is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory™.

As Vice President of Learning, at the Institute on Governance (IOG), Gerard Etienne was responsible for developing a curriculum to meet the leadership and governance challenges of Public Service. The cross-sectoral nature of the work requires building partnerships with multiple levels of government and private sector organizations.

As well he is called upon to conceive a growth plan for expanding the learning lab offerings and lead the IOG as a preferred service provider in leadership and governance. His other responsibilities centred around international development, more precisely support to emerging countries in structuring their public service.

Prior to joining the IOG, Gerard Etienne worked as Vice-President of Operations for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. He was accountable for providing national leadership and management for developing and implementing national operational policies, practices and processes for delivering a multi-faceted comprehensive, cohesive and integrated science-based policy and regulatory inspection and audit regime for the agricultural, fish and seafood, and agri-food sectors.

He has completed his comprehensive exams for a Ph.D. in Industrial Relations. Université de Montréal. (thesis pending). In addition, he has an M.B.A. Financial Services. Université du Québec à Montréal; a Master of Industrial Relations. Université du Québec à Hull; a Master of Education. University of Ottawa; a Bachelor of Social Sciences. University of Ottawa; a Bachelor of Administration. The University of Ottawa.

Gerard Etienne has been conferred the designation of Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, with honours and he has a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership and Governance from the University of Ottawa, Centre for Public Management and Policy.

Videos

Podcasts

Coming Soon!

Gerard Etienne Topic Presentations

creating equitable workplaces: tangible strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • In this highly relevant and practical session, Gerard Etienne, a seasoned expert in human rights, employment equity, and diversity and inclusion (D&I), shares his comprehensive approach to creating equitable and inclusive workplaces. Drawing on his extensive experience from both public and private sectors, Gerard provides invaluable insights and actionable strategies that can be adopted by organizations of all sizes and types.

    The talk will explore the fundamental role of D&I in promoting innovation, leadership, and employee engagement. Gerard will delve into his wealth of experiences to identify effective processes and systems necessary for establishing and sustaining inclusive workplaces. He will also share practical strategies to combat systemic racism, demonstrating how workplaces can become catalysts for social change.

    As a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory™, Gerard will provide tools and methodologies for enhancing intercultural competence within teams. This will include actionable steps to improve understanding and collaboration among diverse team members.

    Crucially, Gerard will provide tangible strategies drawn from his successful career. These will include practical insights into how organizations can structure their policies, practices, and leadership to better support D&I initiatives. The goal is to leave attendees not only with a deeper understanding of the value of diversity, inclusion, and equity but also with a clear roadmap to achieve these objectives in their own workplaces. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to make a real, positive impact on their workplace culture, ensuring it is genuinely inclusive, equitable, and fostering diversity.

inclusive leadership: from awareness to implementation

championing anti-racism, unity and justice in the corporate world: a path to organizational success

advancing employment equity & human rights in the workplace

power of inclusion: unleashing productivity through engaged, synergistic, and communicative teams

cultivating the leaders of tomorrow: harnessing diversity for innovation

leading the charge in digital transformation: navigating technological change with agility and vision"

Testimonials

Coming Soon!

Articles & Media

Canada needs a national anti-racism commissioner

NEW CANADIAN MEDIA

While there are human rights commissions in every province and at the federal level, the authors argue for a more coordinated, horizontal approach such as a national anti-racism commissioner who would be accountable to Parliament. Though Black History Month — a time to recognize and celebrate historical contributions of the Black community while also reflecting on anti-Black racism — is now behind us, the struggle to deconstruct the systems that have brought us to this point is an ongoing one.
View
As face of OPS begins to change, new recruits eager to lead the way

CBC

Gérard Etienne, co-chair of the Ottawa Police Community Equity Council, said while he's impressed with the recruitment results, he worries about what will happen to the class of 2020 after they graduate. "The real issue is whether or not they're going to be able to retain these recruits," Etienne said. "That is something I haven't yet seen in terms of the plan for this group." After training, new recruits will be paired up with a "coach" officer for 500 hours, or about four months, to learn the ropes.
View
BNN Bloomberg

SBC

'Corporate Canada needs to step up' in fighting anti-Black racism: HR consultant
View

Books

Coming Soon!

Related Speakers

Dr. James Makokis

Dr. James Makokis

Two Spirit Doctor - LGBTQ2S+, Indigenous, Diversity & Inclusion Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Mental Health
  • Health & Wellness
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • LGBTQ2S+
  • Indigenous
  • Personal Growth
  • Leadership
  • Work Life Balance
Dr. James A. Makokis is a Nehiyô (Plains Cree) Family Physician from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in northeastern Alberta and the recent winner of...
Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson

LGBTQ2S+, Two-Spirit and Diversity Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Accessibility
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Bullying At Work
  • Communications
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Employee Engagement
Anthony Johnson is a Two-Spirit Keynote Speaker, LGBTQ2S+ Advocate & ED&I Expert. Through his powerful story to bring awareness for LGBTQ &...
Janice Makokis

Janice Makokis

Indigenous Rights Advocate | Legal Scholar | Consultant

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Gender Equality
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Indigenous
  • Leadership
  • Leadership & Change
  • Mindset & Attitude
Janice Makokis is an Indigenous Legal Rights Scholar, Advocate and Consultant. Janice Makokis currently holds a joint position between the Yellowhead...
Hon. Marion Buller

Hon. Marion Buller

First Nation and Indigenous Rights advocate, civil, criminal and human rights lawyer & retired judge

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Excellence & Success
  • Gender Equality
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Indigenous
  • Leadership
The Honourable Marion Buller, C.M., is a keynote speaker and human rights advocate who was the initial First Nations woman appointed as a judge in...
Devon Clunis

Devon Clunis

Former Winnipeg Chief of Police - Leadership, Workplace Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Ethics & Values
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Collaboration
  • Cultural Diversity
Devon Clunis is an international business and leadership consultant with extensive Executive Leadership experience. He was Chief of Police for the...
Anthony Lue

Anthony Lue

Paralympic Athlete, Disability & Accessibility Advocate - Determination & Persistence

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Change Management
  • Disability
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Employee Management
  • Employee Retention
  • Excellence & Success
  • Happiness & Positivity
Anthony Lue is a disability advocate, dynamic and engaging motivational keynote speaker with a powerful story of determination, persistence and...
Antonio Michael Downing

Antonio Michael Downing

Best Selling Author - Anti Racism & Oppression - Diversity and Inclusion Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Bullying At Work
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Employee Management
  • Gender Equality
  • Genrational Differences
  • HR & Corporate Culture
Antonio Michael Downing is a Musician Writer & Best Selling Author, Anti Racism & Oppression Activist, Diversity and Inclusion Expert. He grew up in...
Benoit Huot

Benoit Huot

Olympic Gold Medalist - Leadership, Adversity, Teamwork and Disability Inclusion Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Collaboration
  • Disability
  • Diversity & Inclusion
Paralympic swimmer, Benoit Huot's biggest dream is to help others look beyond their own boundaries and motivate anyone who aims to realize their...
Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith

Mental Health Advocate | Humboldt Broncos Crash Survivor | Amazing Race Canada Winner

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Bullying At Work
  • Change Management
  • Collaboration
  • Communications
  • Disability
  • Diversity & Inclusion
Tyler is a former Humboldt Bronco and is a survivor of the horrific bus crash that took place in 2018, taking the lives of 16 of his team members....
Carissa Halton

Carissa Halton

Community and Social Justice Advocate, Writer, Facilitator and Strategic Planner

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Alliances & Partnerships
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Collaboration
  • Communications
  • Conflict Resolution
Carissa Halton is an award-winning writer of creative non-fiction, speaker, and facilitator who explores how we find connection and hope in our...
Carrie Anton

Carrie Anton

Paralympic Gold Medalist - Diversity and Accessibility Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Accessibility
  • Disability
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Employee Management
  • Happiness & Positivity
  • Health & Wellness
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Mental Health
Carrie Anton is a gold medalist Paralympian, experienced keynote, EMCEE and seminar presenter, needs consultant, trainer, and technician with 30...
Dr. Aaron Barth

Dr. Aaron Barth

TEDx Speaker | Workplace Science, E-learning and Inclusion Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Change Management
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Happiness & Positivity
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Leadership
  • Leadership Development
  • Mental Health
Dr. Aaron Barth give progressive leaders and HR directors the confidence they need to tackle their hardest people problems using scientific methods...

How to book Gerard Etienne for an event?

Gerard Etienne keynote speaker is an expert presenter and has a wide range of experience speaking to a wide variety of audiences and organizations. Gerard Etienne delivers keynotes, workshops & training sessions. They may also host or emcee events. Hire Gerard Etienne from Ottawa, Ontario for your event to inspire the audience to take action and make change in their work and their lives. Your workplace will benefit from our keynote speaker and their keynote talks and speeches will shift the mindsets or behaviours for the audience members in Canada. 

Interested in booking Gerard Etienne for an event?

Are you looking to hire Gerard Etienne for your event? Gerard Etienne Ottawa, Ontario is a dynamic and engaging speaker that offers audiences researched content paired with expertise and a dynamic speaking ability. Gerard Etienne is also a Canadian corporate consultant and coach and facilitates workshops and training sessions for a corporate audience. Gerard Etienne is an expert keynote presenter and speaks on wide variety of topics. Hiring a great speaker for your event is important and working with a thought leader like Gerard Etienne from Speakers Canada's roster will engage audiences into the content of the presentation to bring awareness and a fresh perspective for their approach to their work and their lives. Book Gerard Etienne to educate, motivate and activate the audience through an interactive and entertaining presentation at corporate meetings and gatherings.

Known as a popular key note speaker in Canada, Gerard Etienne creates life changing experiences for the participants with practical insights and strategic advice they can implement right after the session. Working with a one our leading expert speaker like Gerard Etienne from Ottawa, Ontario offers organizations a fresh perspective to assist the people of the organization. No matter if it is a government, association, or business crowd, Gerard Etienne is a perfect speaker for your event. Through unique practical insights for trending topics and years experience speaking to different organizations, Gerard Etienne focuses on changing individuals to make better decisions at work and their lives. No matter if you are holding an in person or virtual event, having an influential speaker such as Gerard Etienne will engage, motivate, and activate the audience to make a change in their lives and inspire action for results to meet organizational goals. Your workforce will benefit from Gerard Etienne's presentations and speeches, with measurable results set to shift the people of the organization and core direction of the company. Book Gerard Etienne speaker for your annual general meeting, conference, summit, or convention in Canada.

How much does it cost to hire Gerard Etienne for a keynote presentation or virtual event?

Gerard Etienne is an expert professional key note speaker with a lot of experience speaking and delivering engaging talks to organizations and audiences in Canada. Each of Speaker Bureau Canada's talent have different ways to assess their fees, and Gerard Etienne speaker fee ranges depending on the size of the audience, event format (in person or virtual), event location, and if the organization booking them is a non profit, association, government department/government agency or business/corporation. The speakers we work with are flexible with their fees, and it is important for us to learn more about your event before we approach them, as it is our role to work for you, and to help you find a speaker within budget. 

Please contact Speakers Bureau of Canada and provide us with your event details so that we can contact Gerard Etienne to check availability or confirm the pricing and associated costs to hire a great speaker like Gerard Etienne for your event. As Gerard Etienne's agent and as a Canadian top speaker bureau and talent agency for speakers, we are able to propose each event opportunity from each host organization's behalf to try to help you get in touch with Gerard Etienne and confirm them for your in person or online meeting/event. We can also provide and advise on the booking process and potentially negotiate their fee. Speakers Canada is a client focused speaker agency, and we work for you in finding good speakers for your team meetings and booking processes.

Gerard Etienne Disclaimer

Speakers Bureau Canada assists companies and event planning teams seeking to hire talent like Gerard Etienne for speaking engagements, virtual meetings, conference appearances, training sessions and workshops facilitations. Our Canadian speakers bureau does not claim to exclusively represent Gerard Etienne, however they are represented by Speakers Canada, and we work with them closely for their Canadian speaking opportunities and bookings. As Canada's top speaker bureau, we represent Canadian motivational keynote speakers and professional guest speakers that will be available on your upcoming events date and location that are withing the budget. Our talented bureau speaker booking agency can help find business speakers or celebrity speakers that aligns with each organization, audience, event theme and the topic themes you hope for the speaker to address in their presentation. 

When SBC receives a request to book Gerard Etienne we provide you with their speaker fees, travel costs and check their schedules. We work closely with the host organization's event planning team and the speaker to handle the logistics and to relay or negotiate associated costs. Our talented team members then will work with our talent directly or their agent/manager/assistant to confirm the Canadian speaker fee and travel expenses, so that event planning teams can receive an official quote for the speaker appearing at the event. Speaker fees and travel costs vary per speaker and our role is to contact Gerard Etienne about your event, after we have connected with the event organizers to learn all the event details and/or conference program. Each booking request is unique since session durations and audience sizes can vary which may affect the speaker's fees. If you are looking to hire Gerard Etienne, we recommend filling out the booking request form so a booking agent from Speakers Bureau Canada can get in touch with our talent to help you coordinate with your team to engage the speaker for a successful event.