Philippe LePage: Quietly revolutionizing the potash mining industry

When you first meet Philippe LePage his quiet unassuming presence belies the profound impact he’s made on the potash mining industry. Without fanfare, he has become a tireless force quietly reshaping the industry from within through inclusive leadership.

Now Director of Mine Development, Potash Engineering, Technology & Capital at Nutrien, LePage envisions a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion work will be like using seatbelts: “You shouldn’t even have to think about it. It’ll just be unconscious that these things happen, and they are the right things to do.”

Born on the west side of Saskatoon, LePage is the second child in a family of five. His tight knit, traditional family included a working dad, loving stay-at-home mom, and strong older sister who looked out for him.

In the 1990s, when LePage began his career in mining, he described the industry as an “old boys club” with an unhealthy culture. Today, women are still the minority, averaging about 13.6% of mining industry between 2007 – 2023.1 Using the analogy of a goldfish not seeing the water that it’s swimming in, LaPage admits that while he didn’t agree with the behavior, he didn’t know how to combat it.

Catalyst research shows that this experience is common among men, especially those working in workplace cultures that discourage employees from speaking out. Nearly 3-in-10 men (28%) admit they would do nothing if a colleague made a sexist comment.

LePage credits an early supervisor who showed him that it was possible to create change, by leading and enforcing a culture of respect. Observing this supervisor create unexpected company-wide change was a formative experience for LePage, teaching him the impact one person can make.

Since then, LePage has spent decades creating positive change. He started EDI groups, co-chairs an ally network, modernized washroom facilities to be more inclusive and hygienic, and develops talent. “It is my passion, growing people,” Lepage says, noting that it is especially fulfilling when they carry forward “those values—it’s that ripple effect.” We call it the Catalyst Effect.

He is also a strong advocate for work-life flexibility, especially for those with childcare and other caretaker requirements.  LePage recounts strong women role models like his mother, his older sister (whose babysitting business he took over at age 12), and his first manager out of college who was a woman as was the person who led the company.

Through his inclusive leadership style, Philippe creates a welcoming environment where diversity is celebrated, reflected in his team’s high representation of women and intentional efforts to attract and retain diverse talent.

To hear Philippe LePage and other gender equity and DEI champions, attend Catalyst Honours on 7 Oct, 2024.

Why he’s a gender equity champion:

Champion Network: Philippe co-founded and led the pilot for the Champion Network within Nutrien’s Potash ETC group. He successfully secured senior leadership support, organized the committee, and established governance. This network addresses allyship and inclusion challenges, promotes education on these topics, supports Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), provides mentorship, and identifies systemic barriers to ensure a more inclusive workplace.
Director on the WIM/WiN-SK Board: As the only male director on the Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan Inc. board, Philippe brings valuable perspectives to strategic discussions, serves on the Human Resources board committee, and contributes to the Mine Your Potential conference committee. His dedication to allyship and professional development has helped grow the conference to over 450 participants.
Rotational Engineer/Geoscientist in Training (EIT/GIT) Program: Philippe revitalized and currently leads the rotational EIT/GIT program for underground operations at Nutrien. This program places new graduates in various roles across Nutrien’s potash mines, helping them develop their skills. It emphasizes diversity and inclusion, successfully integrating underrepresented candidates into the industry. Notably, the first candidate from the 2023 cohort has already transitioned to a full-time engineering role at an operating site.
Enhancing Workplace Inclusivity: Philippe spearheaded the enhancement of hygiene standards and the modernization of washroom facilities for Nutrien’s underground potash operations. He also led the redesign of inclusive facilities at the mine sites, aiming to create a more welcoming workplace for everyone. Additionally, Philippe is a strong advocate for work-life flexibility, especially in supporting team members with childcare requirements.

Endnote

Mining Industry Human Resources Council. (2024). Canadian Mining workplace profile..