Financial-services firm Edward Jones announces commitment to address racism and positively impact opportunities for visible minorities and indigenous peoples

Edward Jones' purpose is to make a meaningful impact in the lives of its clients, associates and communities and is committed to positively impact opportunities for visible minorities and Indigenous peoples.

"We know that to truly progress and end systemic racism and discrimination we must commit fully -- to listen, learn, take responsibility and live up to our corporate values of equity for all," said Edward Jones Country Leader David Gunn.

The firm is committing to the following actions, including:

Giving everyone a voice. The firm will continue to engage in honest dialogue as a tool to create change, through its Courageous Conversations program, which began in 2017. In the past two weeks alone, nearly 6,000 Edward Jones associates in North America have participated in these conversations, which give associates an opportunity to share their lived experience, be heard and understood – increasing empathy and understanding for all. In 2020, the firm is committing to extend these conversations into the communities it serves, while also promising a day of reflection for its associates in 2020 to focus on self-development, learning and listening.

Continuing our focus on equitable hiring, training, promotional practices and policies. Through tailored programs, mentorship and support that meets associates where they start, Edward Jones will continue helping visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, women, LGBTQ and other disadvantaged groups. The firm pledges to continue to work toward a meaningful increase in diversity among its financial advisors and senior leadership and will share its progress in a new Inclusion and Diversity annual report.

"It's critical that we foster a work environment where all associates feel comfortable and empowered to bring their full selves to work," Gunn added. "Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world and we know that as a firm and as a country we are stronger when we embrace what makes us different and unique."

Conducting an analysis of pay. Committed to equal pay for equal work, Edward Jones will conduct an analysis in its home offices to assess how associates are compensated and will share results and take any necessary actions.

Continuing racial-equity training and anti-racism personnel policies. Edward Jones commits to expanding unconscious bias training, which it launched four years ago. In addition, the firm will transition from an Inclusion and Diversity Week, celebrated for the last 10 years, to Inclusion and Diversity 365, a year-round program focused on learning opportunities and experiences to foster cultural awareness and empathy.

"We stand for inclusion and we recognize that there is critical work that needs to be done to end bias, racism and discrimination in our workplaces and in our world. We are committed as a firm to listen, learn and take responsibility," added Gunn.

The firm's complete commitment is available at: Edward Jones' Commitments to Inclusion, Diversity and Equity.

Edward Jones is a full-service investment dealer with more than 850 financial advisors in Canadian communities from coast-to-coast. A member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, the firm is also a participating organization in the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.edwardjones.ca.