"We’ve been committed to programs like these for years," says Michel Brunet, chief executive officer and chair of FMC. "However, it was last year that we actually adopted a formal strategic plan to make our company one of the best places to work."

This year, as a result of our dedication to diversity and inclusion, FMC was named one of Canada’s Best Employers for New Canadians for 2009. "FMC excels as an employer," says Elizabeth McIsaac, executive director for TRIEC. "It’s the first law firm we’ve worked with in our mentoring and partnership program. The pace at which they delivered on their interest and promise – since joining last year – has been impressive."

FMC’s legal internship program is described by Ms. McIsaac as an innovative move that will help break down barriers. "It’s really good that the firm realizes there is a void for immigrant lawyers arriving in Canada," says Amrit Soar, FMC’s first intern. "Not only does [the internship] provide me with exposure to other areas of Canadian law…FMC also has lots of personal and professional development programs that help me gather quite a bit of experience and insight into the structure of the legal system here."

The National Post article further exemplifies FMC’s commitment to our people, as we believe that people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds are essential to bringing fresh perspectives, innovation and depth to an organization.

Since being named one of the Best Employers for New Canadians for 2009, FMC has received national coverage with respect to our firm’s diversity and inclusion. Please read Denise Deveau’s article on FMC’s commitment to diversity, which appeared in the National Post (April 15, 2009), The Province (April 19, 2009), The Vancouver Sun (April 19, 2009), Montreal Gazette (April 18, 2009), Victoria Times Colonist (April 18, 2009), Ottawa Citizen (April 18, 2009) and the Saskatoon Star Phoenix (April 18, 2009).