Leaders in Diversity: Recognizing the 2024-2025 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employers™

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canada’s bio-economy is being reshaped by the forward-thinking organizations recognized today as 2024-2025 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employers^™. Their unwavering dedication to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) is driving meaningful change and paving the way for a more equitable future. BioTalent Canada applauds their leadership and commitment to championing diversity as a cornerstone of their success.

As I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employers, these organizations continue to set benchmarks for inclusion and have demonstrated their commitment to fostering workplace cultures where IDEA not only thrives but drives their innovations.

“Organizations committed to inclusivity and diversity are proving they have what it takes to excel in a competitive, ever-evolving industry,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “While the world’s focus on diversity and inclusion may be shifting, these employers see the value in it. They are staying the course, redefining workplace culture, and setting new standards for innovation and growth in Canada’s bio-economy.”

READ: Explore success stories from previous recipients

Now in its third year, the program continues to grow in its ability to attract Canadian SMEs and large organizations. After careful evaluation of all applications received, 16 organizations have been recognized as I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employers.

To qualify for this recognition, employers were evaluated on a set of criteria used to determine an organization’s:

• Alignment of IDEA to the vision, values, strategies and outcomes of the organization.
• Leadership accountability for IDEA.
• Measurement and assessment of the organization’s current IDEA efforts.
• The priority the organization places on IDEA learning and awareness.
• How the organization prioritizes inclusive talent management practices.
• Efforts put forward by the organization to create a culture of belonging.
• An organization’s efforts to engage with external stakeholders such as community, clients and suppliers.

“For SMEs, building diverse teams can address key challenges like attracting top talent and fostering innovation,” adds Henderson. “We hope this recognition inspires others to follow their lead.”

Recipients of the 2024-2025 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer Recognition Program include (listed alphabetically):

• AgriTech North
• Amino Labs North
• Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API)
• Aruna Revolution Health Inc
• BioCanRx
• Charles River Laboratories
• Gotcare
• Health Cities
• INTREPID Lab
• Life Sciences Ontario
• Neuraura Biotech Inc
• NorthernRNA
• Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR)
• Raft Brew Labs
• Shift Health
• STEMCELL Technologies

Are you looking to build your organization’s IDEA strategy but not sure where to start? BioTalent Canada’s employer resources are available at biotalent.ca/resiliency.

Are you exploring options to showcase your company's achievements? Contact Soufiane at [e-mail] to connect with one of our experts.

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

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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, as a workforce development council, 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.

BioTalent Canada has received varied distinctions following thorough and independent analyses of the organization. By practicing the same industry standards it recommends to partners, the organization has been honored with the following titles:

• The Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards
• 2024 Collaboration Catalyst by Magnet Network Great Place to Work® for 2024 and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023 by Great Place to Work Canada®
• Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2024
• 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter for 2024

For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.

About the I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer™ 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.