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An interview with Clint Davis, Vice President Aboriginal Affairs

Q. TD has admitted that, like other banks, it is often a challenge to recruit employees from Aboriginal communities. Why is this?

Clint Davis joined TD in 2012 to help the bank’s efforts to attract Aboriginal business. He is an Inuk from Nunatsiavut, Labrador, and before joining the bank was president and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. We asked Clint for his thoughts on Aboriginal relationships with the financial services industry.

A. I think this is changing, but behind the issue is the fact that many Aboriginal people think a bank is all about finance and numbers and are not aware of the breadth of opportu- nities available. In their post-secondary education Aboriginal people tend to gravitate towards the arts, law and social sciences and they don’t auto- matically see a fit between those choices and banking. The fact that there are currently very few bankers in Aboriginal communities also means that young people don’t have many role models who can show that banking can be a valid career choice.

Q. What can banks do to change that?

A. It will take time but banks can do more to demystify their business through one-on-one connections and mentorships with students in high school and in the early years of post-secondary education. Aboriginal people tend to be drawn to companies that are committed to working with their communities. So it’s important for banks to continue to develop products and services that can help Aboriginal businesses and communities thrive.

Q. What are your early perceptions of what TD is doing on the diversity front?

A. My first impression is that it has provided and continues to provide a wonderful environment for its people. I also know that it takes a multi-faceted approach to diversity by involving not just employees but customers, communities and businesses. Because there are so many senior executives actively involved in its diversity initiatives – and several Aboriginal people on its senior management team – it sends a strong message that TD takes diversity seriously.

2012 AWARDS

TD named Best Diversity Employer by Mediacorp.

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TD named Best Employer for New Canadians by Mediacorp.

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TD named One of Diversity Inc.’s top 25 Notable Companies in U.S.

Women in Leadership Awards

Colleen Johnston and Linda Verba: the 25 most powerful women in Banking (U.S. Banker) Colleen Johnston: Canadian CFO of the year Jane Russell: the PEAK Women in Finance Award Carol Osler: Canadian Security Director of the Year 2012 (Canadian Security Magazine) and Professional Leadership Award Recipient for LGBT (Deloitte/Out On Bay Street) Kerry Peacock: WXN – Canada’s Top 100 Award Recipient

TD 2012 Corporate Responsibility Report