Empowering Change: BioTalent Canada Opens Second Annual I.D.E.A.L Bioscience Employer™ Recognition Program

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioTalent Canada is now accepting new applications for its I.D.E.A.L. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Leadership) Bioscience Employer^TM Recognition Program, building on the success of last year’s inaugural initiative.

The program recognizes organizations in Canada’s bio-economy that embody diverse and inclusive corporate principles needed to promote growth and success. Last year, 9 Canadian organizations were recognized as leaders in the area of diversity and inclusion in Canada’s biotech industry.

“Diversity continues to build more inclusive, creative and innovative workplaces,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “Organizations who adopt IDEA principles are more resilient, competitive and profitable.”

Organizations may qualify in one of two categories: under 50 employees and over 50 employees. The process involves completing an online survey, describing in detail how they are working towards a more diverse and inclusive corporate culture based on IDEA best practices:

1. Alignment of IDEA to the vision, values, strategies, and outcomes of the organization;
2. Leadership accountability for IDEA;
3. Measurement and assessment of the organization’s current IDEA efforts;
4. The priority the organization places on IDEA learning and awareness;
5. How the organization prioritizes inclusive talent management practices;
6. Efforts put forward by the organization to create a culture of belonging, and
7. Efforts put forward by the organization to engage with external stakeholders: community, clients, and suppliers.

Recipients of the 2022-23 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer Recognition Program include (listed alphabetically) AgriTech North, BioCanRx, Health Cities, Life Sciences Ontario (LSO), Nicotine Dependence Service (CAMH), Origin Materials, Raft Brew Labs, Shift Health, and STEMCELL Technologies. Organizations who achieve the IDEAL status are recognized publicly for achieving the designation, and are permitted to utilize the accomplishment in their company branding and promotion.

“Getting recognized as an I.D.E.A.L. Employer brought validation to the team’s continued commitment to a more open and accepting industry,” says Benjamin Feagin Jr., Chief Executive Officer at AgriTech North. “IDEA is more than a core concept for us, it is a principle that is written directly into our articles of incorporation. They are part of how we operate.”

Criteria used to evaluate submissions include an organization’s alignment of IDEA principles to their vision, values, strategies, and outcomes; leadership accountability for IDEA; and the priority the organization places on IDEA learning and awareness, among other factors.

“We encourage organizations large and small to apply for this important recognition,” says Rob Henderson. “This is the best way to show other bio-economy employers why these principles matter, and to encourage organizations throughout Canada that may not be sure where to start.”

For more information and to apply for the I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer recognition, please visit: biotalent.ca/IDEALEmployer.

For resources to help guide your organization on developing resiliency through principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, visit biotalent.ca/resiliency.

These resources were developed as part of the Building Resiliency and Sustainability for the Bio-economy to Withstand Disruption project, funded by the Future Skills Centre.

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

Building Resiliency and Sustainability for the Bio-economy to Withstand Disruption is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

About BioTalent Canada:

BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.

Recently named a Great Place to Work® and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023, by Great Place to Work Canada®, as well as being listed as a Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2023 and a 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards it recommends to stakeholders. These varied distinctions were awarded to BioTalent Canada following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization.

For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.

About the I.D.E.A.L. Recognition Program

The I.D.E.A.L Bioscience Employer recognition program, which represents Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Leadership, will recognize organizations in Canada’s bio-economy leading the way in embodying the diverse and inclusive corporate principles needed to promote growth and success in the sector.

Organizations under 50 employees and over 50 employees who apply for the I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer recognition will be evaluated and benchmarked on IDEA best practices. The program is not an award but rather an annual designation for which companies can apply and be granted if they reach or surpass established benchmarks. Organizations who fail to attain the designation will be given instructions and suggestions on how to improve.