05:04 PM EDT, 04/09/2024 (MT Newswires) -- EQB Inc. ( EQGPF ) Tuesday issued its annual EQB Responsibility Report on Tuesday, outlining progress and reinforcing commitments to investing to improve Canadian society, reduce its environmental impact, support employees' evolving and diverse needs and provide Canadians with better, more accessible and enriching financial futures.

"Our purpose at EQB is to drive change in Canadian banking to enrich people's lives, and I am proud of the progress we achieved against this purpose as we continually strive be a capable contributor to society at large as befits our status as owner of Canada's seventh largest bank," Andrew Moor, chief executive officer of the bank holding company said. "We welcome all stakeholders to review and celebrate this disclosure alongside us as we seek to improve, add value to and act responsibly in our communities for a better future."

Highlights from the report include: Prioritized and nurtured diversity through talent acquisition and people strategies, resulting in a diverse workforce (52% of EQB's workforce self-identify as women, 42% self-identify as visible minorities/racialized peoples); and celebrating human differences and advanced inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility and anti-racism - coined as IDEA2 - initiatives across the organization, including through Equitable Bank's six Employee Resource Groups.

The company played a leading role in addressing the current housing shortage by funding 185 multi-unit residential properties across Canada with total loans of $3.4 billion through various Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation affordable housing programs.

EQB shares closed up C$2.50 to C$91.40 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.