BioTalent Canada Launches Ontario Program for Diverse Hiring and Growth

23 Aug, 2024

BioTalent Canada Launches Ontario Program for Diverse Hiring and Growth

BioTalent Canada has launched a new initiative, "EnAbling Change for the Bio-economy," to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within Canada's bio-economy. This program aims to enhance the hiring of persons with disabilities across Ontario, underlining diversity as a key value. The initiative includes four events: two in-person in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa, and two virtual, designed to highlight the benefits of inclusive hiring and guide compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada, emphasizes that embracing diversity is a strategic advantage for employers, not just a charitable choice. The program, funded with $150,000 from the Ontario government, is part of the EnAbling Change initiative that supports projects promoting accessibility across the province. It aims to improve the productivity and innovation of businesses by integrating persons with disabilities into the workforce, addressing a significant labor shortage in Ontario’s bio-economy, which is expected to need 25,000 additional workers by 2029.

BioTalent Canada will also create bilingual and accessible resources for employers and enhance its BioSkills Match database to connect with diverse talent. This initiative is a step toward driving innovation and competitiveness in the bio-economy by reflecting Canada's diverse workforce.