This month, we announced that 50th Parallel has become B Corp Certified. This is a huge milestone for the organization and the team. We’re excited that we get to experience this achievement and even more excited that we now get to share this news with you!
50th Parallel is the first full-service public relations agency on Vancouver Island to obtain B Corp status. Our fearless leader, Naz Lauriault, continues to smash through barriers. As a second generation Canadian, born to Gyanese and Kurdish parents, she has taken this organization to amazing heights. Keep reading to find out more about why 50th Parallel took the leap.
What is a B Corp?
A Certified B Corporation (or B Corp) is a for-profit company dedicated to using business as a force for good. In order to become certified, companies must go through a rigorous process and meet high verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. What’s more is these companies are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, including customers, workers, communities and the environment, unlike traditional corporations.
Basically, we joined a growing group of businesses that balance people, planet and profits, while prioritizing long-term value over short-term gain, we over me, the future over now and justice over inequity.
How does this relate to our work with Indigenous and marginalized communities?
As a purpose-driven organization, 50th Parallel works for the betterment of every living thing on this planet. Our social, cultural and environmental values act as our guiding principles as we stand for and take action on issues bigger than our products and services. Over the last six years, we’ve worked with numerous Indigenous communities, non-profits and government agencies to support them in expressing the “why” of what they do and in raising their voices through meaningful and impactful communications.
Now that we are a part of this growing global community, we have access to the insight and expertise of hundreds of other leaders, along with the opportunity to share our expertise and learnings on a larger scale. Getting certified as a B Corp was a logical next step and helps to remind us of how we can do more to amplify messages that matter so they get the attention they deserve.
