Technical Program

Women in Mining Panel

Tuesday, May 14 – 15:30 to 16:45 Room: 109

Beyond Good Intentions: Gender Equity in Canadian Mining Now

Sponsored by

Co-sponsored by

Today, women make up only 15.9% of the BC Mining workforce and 14% of the Canadian mining workforce (MiHR, 2024).

Despite general industry-wide awareness of the gender imbalance within the sector and some well-intentioned efforts, the gender gap in mining persists. In this frank panel discussion, we will bring together industry leaders - including those in research, training and employers to share perspectives on how we can move beyond good intentions, address the confirmed and evolving gender equity challenges in mining and unpack what is really needed to make systemic change in the Industry. Through this panel, we will shine a light on promising practices, collaborative efforts and actions needed to move the industry forward - together.

Panel Facilitator

Courtnay Hughes, MASc, BBA.
Senior Consultant, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
PHC Inc., Board Member WIMBC

With a background in Human Resources and workforce research, Courtnay has led labour market research and policy initiatives for the Canadian mining sector at the national and regional level. As Senior Consultant, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at PHC Inc. Courtnay works with mining companies, training institutes, and associations to develop and manage impactful diversity and inclusion strategies, policy and programming. Previously, Courtnay worked with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council – overseeing diversity and inclusion programing and workforce research.
Courtnay holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and a Masters of Applied Science in Mining Engineering from the University of British Columbia. Throughout her career, Courtnay has engaged and advised mining industry committees and taskforces on building workforce capacity with a focus on identifying and addressing gendered barriers in mining and exploration. These include; the BC HR Mining Taskforce, WIM-WIN Sask, EGBC Gender Diversity Taskforce, CIM Diversity and Inclusion Advisory, AME Board of Directors, CTEM, and WIM Canada.
Outside of work, Courtnay is an avid runner and road cyclist and enjoys exploring the mountains, forests and parks surrounding Vancouver with her husband, and two children.