Manulife Financial: Championing inclusion, attracting talent, contributing to the big-picture goals in Nova Scotia

Manulife Financial Corporation (Manulife) has had a significant presence in Halifax since 2005, and has become one of the largest financial services employers in Nova Scotia.

“We’re proud of our presence in Halifax, where hundreds of employees currently contribute to the global success of our company,” says Mike Doughty, President & CEO, Manulife Canada. “To attract the best talent, we need to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.”

Recognized as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality, Manulife supports several grassroots employee resource groups like the Global Women’s Alliance, PROUD (Professionals Reaching Out for Unity and Diversity), PACES (Pan-Asian Community for Employee Success), Family Connections, GenerationNEXT and VIBE (Valuing the Inclusion of Black Employees).

The organization’s impressive commitment to sustainability, diversity and inclusion is spelled out in its 2018 Sustainability Report and Public Accountability Statement. “Our mission – decisions made easier, lives made better – is not just a tagline; it’s part of our DNA,” said Doughty.

Women make up 42% of independent directors on its board, 24% of vice president roles and above, and 43% of the manager, director and assistant vice-president roles in Canada.

Manulife has grown in Nova Scotia since entering into a payroll rebate agreement with NSBI in 2014. That same year, the OneNova Scotia Commission published its report identifying challenges facing Nova Scotia and outlined 19 ambitious, visionary goals for Nova Scotia’s future, such as increased immigration, youth employment, and retention of international students.

“Nova Scotia is a great province to invest and grow with a strong business community, supportive government policies and excellent academic institutions.”

“Nova Scotia is a great province to invest and grow with a strong business community, supportive government policies and excellent academic institutions,” said Doughty. “Our continued partnership with NSBI represents an important opportunity to access a highly educated and skilled talent pool.”

In 2018, Manulife demonstrated its enthusiasm for Halifax by establishing a global operations hub. Manulife and NSBI renewed the performance-based payroll agreement which would support up to 600 additional positions over the next five years. As a result, Manulife intends to add staff in Halifax to support operations in Canada and around the world.

The Manulife story reflects the good times happening in Nova Scotia. In 2019, the province’s population is at its highest, more youth and immigrants are choosing to live here, and there are historic levels of full-time employment. Companies like Manulife are doing their part to drive these results.

Learn more aboutthe business advantages of operating in Nova Scotia.