At AGA Benefit Solutions, we believe that a stronger society depends on the well-being of everyone. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are not just principles, but essential levers to enable each individual to flourish and contribute fully. We are convinced that diverse teams, bringing together a variety of skills, unique backgrounds and complementary perspectives, foster innovation, strengthen our teams and make us stronger collectively.

AGA recognizes diversity, equity and inclusion as essential vectors of innovation for the future. These concepts embody our values of Stronger Together, Innovate to Lead and Lift Others Up.

The DEI Approach at AGA

Although several concepts related to DEI were already formally and informally integrated into our activities, the company wanted to develop a more structured DEI approach. Following a strategic planning exercise organized in 2024, the organization agreed to develop a formal diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. This strategy was part of a broader effort to review AGA's mission, vision, and values, which were rolled out in early 2025.

2025 Highlights

In 2025, we focused our efforts on assessing our current situation and raising employee awareness of DEI principles. Our rationale was that a good understanding of these principles internally is essential before implementing new policies and practices. On the other hand, this understanding will enable our teams to better support our clients who wish to integrate DEI principles into the management of their employee benefits.

As a result, the following major milestones were achieved in 2025:

• Development of a DEI action plan with a specialized external firm

• Audit of current practices and review of policies that already support DEI at AGA

• Addition of new employee programs and policies: Care Balance program for employees acting as caregivers, parental program, reimbursement of immigration fees

• Awareness training on key DEI principles for all employees

• Employee self-identification questionnaire and workplace practices assessment to obtain a clear picture of the detailed demographic characteristics of AGA's workforce and their perception of DEI within our organization

Coming in 2026

• Gradual implementation of the detailed action plan

• Creation of an official DEI policy, an official anti-discrimination policy, and DEI best practice guides

• Targeted training to continue raising internal awareness

• Continued review and knowledge development about products and services that support DEI principles in the employee benefits market (e.g., women's health, gender affirmation, etc.), and assessment of additions to AGA’s offer

• Gradual integration of inclusive writing principles into communications for employees, plan members, and AGA clients

Our Clients Can Count On Us

Just like us, more and more companies across Canada are making DEI a priority—and for good reason. An inclusive work culture benefits every aspect of business, from employee recruitment and retention to financial performance, productivity and innovation. But it’s not enough to say you support DEI in the workplace. You need to put policies and practices in place that match your vision and values. An equitable group insurance plan is an essential part of the equation, and the foundation to ensuring all your employees and their diverse needs are covered.

Because the AGA team understands and applies these principles, it can help clients who are looking to optimize their employee benefits from this angle. For more details, please see this article: The Advantages of an Inclusive Group Insurance Benefits Plan

A Journey, Not a Destination

This commitment is a gradual process. We want to become more aware of the various concepts of DEI, such as unconscious bias, notions of privilege and openness to others. We want to adapt our internal processes to improve the working environment in which we operate, so that everyone has the chance to flourish. We want to improve our practices and inspire clients to follow suit!