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Welcome to exeQutive!

exeQutive is a forum for Toronto/GTA-based lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer (LGBTQ) leaders — current and aspiring professionals, executives and entrepreneurs.   We are a member-driven organization.  Our members include business owners and leaders of some of Canada's largest and most well-known corporations, financial institutions, law and accounting firms, government agencies and charities.

We invite you to explore this website to learn more about what we do to support and strengthen the businesses and careers of Toronto's LGBTQ leaders and to contribute to our community.

We welcome new members.  If you are an LGBTQ professional, executive or entrepreneur and have a leadership role within your organization, we invite you apply for membership.  A membership form is available here.

Meet Some of Our Members

John F Clifford's picture
John F Clifford | Partner, Business Law Group of McMillan LLP (Toronto, Ontario).

John is a senior partner and Chief Operating Officer of McMillan LLP. His law practice is focused on private company mergers & acquisitions transactions and complex commercial matters and reorganizations. He has extensive experience advising a diverse range of clients on domestic and cross-border matters across many industries. Recognized internationally for his expertise and experience, Who's Who Legal identifies John as one of the top M&A lawyers in Canada and states that John is "top notch by all accounts", "very client focused" and "always delivers". 

In five consecutive years from 2017-2012, John was named to the prestigious global list of OUTstanding Top 100 LGBT+ Executives, as presented by the Financial Times/Yahoo , in recognition of his business achievements and impact on LGBT inclusion within McMillan and externally. Previously he received a Lexpert Zenith Award and an Out On Bay Street “Leaders To Be Proud Of” Award.

John founded exeQutive in 2007 with a group of friends and colleagues.

Resource File

Jan 8, 2023

On August 28, 2022, the Federal government launched Canada’s first Action Plan aimed at advancing rights and equality for Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and additional sexually and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) people in Canada.  A copy of the Plan is attached.

Feb 15, 2019

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development, has announced $30 million in dedicated funding over five years, followed by $10 million per year to advance human rights and improve socio-economic outcomes for LGBTQ2 people in developing countries. Minister Bibeau made the announcement on Febraury 7 accompanied by Randy Boissonnault, the Prime Minister’s Special Advisor on LGBTQ2 issues.

Aug 22, 2018

Businesses with LGBTI people in managerial positions have higher overall performances and better business outcomes, according to a new report.

Aug 21, 2016

In partnership with Pride@Work, the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusiion surveyed and reported on the perspectives of members of LGBT+ communities across Canada about workplace inclusion.