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LCBO WELCOMES NEW SPIRIT OF INCLUSION INITIATIVE PARTNER TO ADVANCE
EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION IN THE BEVERAGE ALCOHOL INDUSTRY

Partnership will increase access to scholarships, bursaries, mentorship, and employment opportunities for diverse women

March 14, 2023 - Toronto - Through the Spirit of Sustainability, the LCBO is pleased to welcome the Independent Wine Education Guild (IWEG) as its newest Impact Partner under its Spirit of Inclusion Initiative. The program will fund 20 new scholarships to support diverse women who are beginning or continuing their education in IWEG’s beverage alcohol programs.

Through partnerships with Ontario education institutions, charitable organizations, and trade partners, the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative aims to identify and remove systemic barriers for diverse women in the industry. The program provides bursaries and scholarships, facilitates mentorships, and identifies co-op placements for diverse women to enter, advance, and thrive in the beverage alcohol industry. Established in 1977, and the only Canadian school to offer all qualifications of WSET, IWEG joins the roster of LCBO’s education partners from George Brown College, Niagara College, and Brock University.

"I am pleased that the Independent Education Wine Guild is joining us on our mission to increase equitable representation and further support students entering the winery, brewery, and distillery fields. As a purpose-led organization, the LCBO is proud of our commitment to enhance diversity within the beverage alcohol industry, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will create,” said George Soleas, President & CEO, LCBO.

Since launching the Spirit of Inclusion Initiative in 2021, the LCBO has worked to enhance industry diversity and has
successfully:

• Awarded six scholarships to diverse women attending beverage alcohol programs at George Brown College, six scholarships at Niagara College and a Mobility bursary at Brock University. To date the program has awarded 13 scholarships.

• Established a research scholar position at Brock University focused on understanding the barriers diverse women face in the winery, brewery, and distillery fields.

“We thank LCBO for their generous gift that will help students and our community of professionals achieve their personal and professional goals,” Paul Miles DipWSET Executive Director, “The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is so important as it provides the support to grow a sustainable and diverse drinks and hospitality sector.”

The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative has also received support from beverage alcohol partners at Charton Hobbs, Möet Hennessy, DIAGEO, and Labatt Brewing Company, who are committed to LCBO’s vision to enhance industry diversity.

The Spirit of Inclusion Initiative is open to Canadians who self-identify as women from backgrounds currently underrepresented in the beverage alcohol industry, and who require financial support to complete their education. To learn more and apply, visit www.LCBO.com.

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