BioTalent Canada Unveils New Tools to Boost Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Ontario’s Bio-Economy

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BioTalent Canada is pleased to release new resources designed to help bio-economy employers attract, recruit, and retain persons with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive sector. The resources were developed through BioTalent Canada’s EnAbling Change Program, an initiative funded by the Government of Ontario to encourage inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within Ontario’s burgeoning bio-economy.

According to BioTalent Canada’s 2021 Ontario regional spotlight, Close-up on the Bio-economy, Ontario will likely need an additional 24,500 new workers by 2029 to meet the sector’s growing demand. With approximately 2.6 million Ontarians identifying as having a disability, the potential to narrow the talent gap is there. Yet, the bio-economy employs less than one percent of these often highly skilled individuals within the sector's workforce.

“Building an inclusive workforce is essential to Ontario’s economic future,” says Rob Henderson, CEO of BioTalent Canada. “Our goal is to help employers recognize the value of IDEA in the workplace and provide them with the resources needed to implement a successful, inclusive talent strategy.”

LEARN MORE: Become an I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer™

BioTalent Canada's latest employer resources offer practical strategies to promote inclusion and widen recruitment of persons with disabilities by providing:

• Practical steps for inclusive recruiting and hiring to ensure accessibility throughout the talent acquisition process;
• An overview of what Ontario employers need to know to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA);
• A new “Inclusive Employer” badge for job postings on The PetriDish™ to help employers showcase their adoption of IDEA best practices; and
• An easier way for employers to search for talented individuals who self-identify as having a disability through improved searches in the BioSkills Match™ talent database.

“Research consistently shows that diverse teams lead to innovation and improved financial performance,” adds Henderson. “By using these tools to help adopt an IDEA mindset, bio-economy employers can make a significant impact, not just on their organizations but across the entire sector.”

“Creating accessible job opportunities is not just a matter of equity, it’s a cornerstone of a thriving, inclusive economy,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “BioTalent Canada’s innovation and leadership will help break down barriers and build a stronger, more resilient workforce that everyone can be a part of.”

To learn more about BioTalent Canada’s EnAbling Change Program, and to download the latest employer resources, visit biotalent.ca/EnAblingChange2024. For more information on the EnAbling Change program, visit Ontario.ca/page/enabling-change-program.

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

The views expressed in this release are the views of BioTalent Canada and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province.

Funded by the Government of Ontario.

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® for 2024 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 2024 and a 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter for 2024, 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.