Are you a woman or gender-diverse person working in—or interested in—the wood manufacturing industry in Alberta? 

The Wood Manufacturing Council (WMC) wants to hear from you!

We are researching ways to better support women and gender-diverse employees in the wood manufacturing sector in Alberta. This initiative is funded by the Government of Alberta and in partnership with the Society of Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST). By sharing your experiences and suggestions through our paid online survey and/or in-person focus groups, you can help us shape a more inclusive industry.

Why Participate?

Women represent only 28.6% (StatCan, 2024) of Alberta’s manufacturing workforce, and there is no data on gender diverse employees. Your voice can help bridge this gap. Your insights will directly create actionable solutions for employers to improve hiring, retention, and advancement for a more inclusive workforce.

Two Ways to Get Involved:

You can choose to participate in one or both of the following:

• Online Survey (10-15 minutes): Share your perceptions of the industry from anywhere in Alberta. Receive a $25 gift card upon completion. Complete the online survey here

• In-Person Focus Groups (June 2026): Join us in Calgary or Edmonton for a deeper discussion with a group of people with similar experiences. Participants receive a $25 gift card as well as food and refreshments on the day. Note: One-on-one interviews are also available if you prefer a private conversation. Sign Up for Focus Groups (or interview) here  

*Gender diverse includes trans women, trans men, non-binary, Two-Spirit people, and anyone who identifies as gender non-conforming.

We encourage participation from women and gender diverse people from a broad range of backgrounds, including Indigenous people, women of color, women with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment that accommodates the diverse needs of our participants. We aim to provide support where possible, so please let us know if you require any accommodations and we will do our best to support your participation.

Please share this invite with your network! The more experiences we capture, the stronger our recommendations to employers will be.

For any questions, contact us at research@scwist.ca.