Frequently Asked Questions
The Enterprise Employee Resource Group (EERG) is a new framework that the federal government has implemented that would provide participating equity and equity-seeking employee networks with coordinated governance, administrative support, and access to enterprise funding through a new Workforce Council and centralized Secretariat. Under the proposal, eligible groups could voluntarily join the Council to collaborate on shared priorities and access support, while groups choosing not to participate would continue to operate independently.
Our mandate has always been to tackle anti-Black systemic racism, dismantle institutional barriers to executive progression, and offer confidential peer support to an unrepresented Black leadership cadre. The Treasury Board Secretariat’s Enterprise Employee Resource Group (EERG) framework was developed without consultation with BEN|REN and imposes centralized oversight that is incompatible with our role. It curtails our direct access to senior leadership, drastically cuts our funding which will be shared among nearly 30 other networks, and requires institutional pre-approvals for network actions and reporting. The majority of the members consulted opposed or voiced serious concerns about transitioning into that model.
Operating independently means clear separation from internal federal government administration:
Infrastructure: BEN|REN will no longer use government IT systems, email servers, or internal distribution lists.
Timing: Network meetings, mentoring forums, and key sessions will take place outside official core working hours.
Funding & Operations: We will rely on independent administrative structures rather than internal EERG funding allocations.
Unfiltered Advocacy: We can engage Deputy Ministers, APEX, bargaining agents, central agencies and other stakeholders with total autonomy.
Yes, absolutely. Black executives, aspiring executives, and allies across the public service are welcome to stay actively involved. Because we are operating outside employer systems, participation occurs during personal time, and programming is done independently.
Please visit our transitional website at ben-ren.ca to sign up for our external mailing list using your personal email address. You can also reach our team directly at info@ben-ren.ca.
Yes. Independence does not mean disengagement. We will continue to collaborate with Deputy Ministers, central agencies, and institutional partners on systemic workforce issues, but as an autonomous, arms-length strategic partner with the same collaborative and result-oriented approach that contributed to our success.
Initially, staying connected and joining our mailing list is completely free. As we build out our sustainable, independent infrastructure, we will eventually introduce a formal paid membership model with structured benefits and programs. Full details on membership and timelines will be shared in the near future.
We are organizing a social gathering for the upcoming holiday season where we will officially present our roadmap, introduce our new communication channels, and share more details on next steps. Specific dates and event details will be sent directly to those subscribed to our mailing list at ben-ren.ca.
Because participation in the independent network is voluntary and individual public servants will make their own choices regarding joining us outside official channels, we will review and adapt our cohort activities, pairings, and active initiatives as our external community grows. Our priority is to ensure continuity of support while respecting everyone's personal preferences.