On March 12, with spring training underway, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Canada’s Minister of Women and Gender Equality, will be surrounded with a superhero all-star lineup on Before the Bell. Entitled Each for Equal, this special edition show expands on the 2020 International Women’s Day theme of diversity and inclusion. Live from the National Arts Centre, the show focuses on the importance of gender equality and what can be done to smash the glass ceiling.
Leading off the conversation is Dr. Susan Black, president and CEO of The Conference Board of Canada. Canada missed its national target of 30 percent women on boards by 2019 and Dr. Black will be here to discuss why and what needs to be done.
Next up is Arlene Anderson, president and co-owner of The Original Maple Bat Corporation (SAM BAT). In 2007 SAM BAT broke a one hundred year tradition by being the first maple baseball bat used in Major League Baseball. And nothing screams old boys club like baseball. Today the SAM BAT is exported around the world and Arlene Anderson is continuously recognized as one of the most influential people in the game.
Up third, is Jacquline Ovens who heads EDC‘s Women in Trade initiative. Overseeing a portfolio of $2.3bn of committed capital in direct and fund equity investments, Jacqueline helps women entrepreneurs score with financing solutions to access new markets around the world.
Of course, you want a superhero to hit clean up and this lineup has just that! Newly elected Member of Parliament Lenore Zann (Colchester-Cumberland) is a real life superhero having played the role of Rogue in Marvel Comics X-Men animated series during the 90s. Since entering politics, Lenore has been a tireless advocate for women including the #MeToo movement, speaking out against domestic and cyber abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, and continued financial inequality.
Rounding out the lineup is Oksana Kischuck with the latest public opinion research from Abacus Data. And finally, pinch hitting for Before the Bell host Andrew Beattie is Susan Delacourt. Susan will be interviewing each of the guests, gaining their insights and engaging everyone through audience questions and thoughtful discussion.
Before the Bell is produced in front of a live audience direct from the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and streamed on Facebook. Thanks to the foundational support from KPMG, Abacus Data, the National Arts Centre and the Insurance Bureau of Canada, and this special edition’s sponsors, The Conference Board of Canada, and EDC, Before the Bell is FREE for all Canadians to attend and watch. To reserve your seat and join our live studio audience or for more information please click here.
Finally, to bring our baseball superhero metaphor full circle, a shoutout to our National Women’s Baseball Team that maintains its WBSC global ranking of #2 in the world and to Baseball Canada for their role in welcoming girls to the great game of baseball. So, Play Ball!