A commitment that reflects the company’s internal reality
Within Can-Aqua, female representation is part of the organization’s daily reality. The company employs 27 women out of 78 employees across its offices in Canada.
For Philippe Beaudoin, Co-President, this commitment comes naturally.
“It’s in our DNA to shine a light on the exceptional work of women in our industry, so our partnership with Les Elles came about naturally. Within our executive committee, aside from my brother and me as co-presidents, five of the six members are women, three of whom have shared their passion, expertise, and commitment at the heart of our success for more than ten years.”
This composition reflects an organizational culture where women hold strategic roles and actively contribute to business decisions.
Concrete actions to highlight women in the industry
Beyond statistics, Can-Aqua takes concrete steps to celebrate and showcase women both within the company and in the broader industry.
1. Engagement in focused industry events
For the second consecutive year, the company reserved a table at the dinner-conference organized by CIPH, which focused on “Female Boldness and the Role of Women in Male-Dominated Environments.” Seven employees attended, accompanied by the Co-President, fostering discussion and networking opportunities.
2. A one-of-a-kind initiative centered on recognition
Last summer, in collaboration with a wholesaler from Centre-du-Québec, Can-Aqua organized an activity exclusively for women working in the plumbing sector. Noting that most recognition events (hockey, golf, trips, dinners) tend to be male-dominated, the company wanted to offer an alternative.
Ten women in key roles—co-presidents, buyers, and project managers—participated in a horseback cattle roundup followed by a group dinner. The initiative will be repeated this year, with the goal of making it an annual event.
3. Highlighting women within the company and beyond
On International Women’s Day, Can-Aqua featured Christine, a service plumber, to showcase her career path and professional expertise.
“We want to honor an inspiring woman working in a still largely male-dominated field: Christine Lebel, our service plumber. With 26 years of experience, she is a model of determination and passion.
Her journey is as unique as it is inspiring. Her interest in plumbing began with her invention: a sink strainer with a waste-catching basket. Guided by her manual skills and desire to avoid routine, she discovered the plumbing trade through a book on non-traditional careers for women. Determined and motivated to patent her invention, she traded her initial interest in environmental work for plumbing training.
Working in a predominantly male environment hasn’t always been easy. At first, she had to prove herself and earn the respect of her colleagues. Today, after more than two decades in the trade, Christine is a reference point and helps many fellow plumbers on job sites. Some apprentices even say, “This is the first time I’ve seen a female plumber!” And for good reason—women still make up less than 5% of plumbers in Quebec, compared with 48% across all professions.
Her journey is proof that no barrier should exist for women who want to pursue a technical career. Christine embodies perseverance and excellence, and we are proud to have her on our team at Can-Aqua.”
An offering tailored for Les Elles members
Beyond its social commitment, Can-Aqua offers products and services directly aligned with the realities of women working in the construction sector, whether they are entrepreneurs, engineers, architects, designers, project managers, forepersons, buyers, or technical professionals.
Specializing in the specification, representation, and distribution of plumbing solutions, the company provides comprehensive support to its clients and partners at every stage of their projects—from specification and bidding to on-site technical assistance.
For members of Les Elles de la construction, this partnership offers:
- Access to a supplier committed to inclusion, sensitive to representation issues in the industry.
- An expanded business network, including a leadership team that is predominantly female.
- A partner who understands the realities of women on-site and in management, and who values their role in the supply chain and project execution.
By partnering with Les Elles, Can-Aqua aims to contribute to a more representative and collaborative business environment while offering members a strategic partner for their operations.
An event in brand-new premises
A tour of the facilities followed by a cocktail will be held on November 19, 2026, in Can-Aqua’s brand-new premises. Members will have the opportunity to explore a redesigned office, a new showroom, and modernized facilities, marking the first official gathering in this new environment.
Contact person at Can-Aqua
Isabelle Auclair
Marketing and Human Resources Director
isabelle.auclair@can-aqua.ca
514 654-0765
