Enabling Change in Ontario’s Bio-Economy by Fostering an IDEA Mindset

Ontario’s bio-economy is grappling with a critical labour shortage, particularly in the bio-manufacturing and processing sectors. Conventional solutions like immigrants and new graduates entering the field won’t suffice. Instead, embracing an IDEA mindset—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility—is crucial. By tapping into diverse talent pools, including persons with disabilities who currently represent only 1% of the industry, employers can seize a significant opportunity to fill these gaps effectively.

To support employers in adopting IDEA best practices when recruiting new hires, BioTalent Canada will coordinate four events within Ontario to show employers how to attract and retain persons with disabilities.

BioTalent Canada will also be creating the following tools and resources to promote the benefits of diverse and inclusive hiring:

  • A bilingual and accessible resource that guides employers on how to adopt a diverse and inclusive recruitment and retention strategy that attracts persons with disabilities
  • A bilingual and accessible resource to help employers in Ontario navigate the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act’s (AODA) reporting and compliance requirements

This approach not only addresses the immediate needs but also fosters a more inclusive and resilient workforce for the future.

Helping bio-economy employers advance their innovations through IDEA

EnAbling Change in Canada’s Bio-economy will guide employers through the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and enhance their knowledge of:

  1. Creating equitable opportunities in the bio-economy;
  2. Driving a culture of respect and dignity for persons with disabilities;
  3. Learning how to engage, recruit, integrate, and develop new hires with a disability; and
  4. Improving an employer’s understanding of AODA reporting and compliance requirements.

This project will also give an opportunity to employees with disabilities to share their lived experiences.

Activities and Deliverables

EnAbling Change Program will consist of various events and products, including:

  1. Two in-person events
    • One event in the Greater Toronto Area and
    • One event in Ottawa
  2. Two virtual events coordinated by BioTalent Canada
  3. A bilingual resource that focuses on accessibility resources, business cases, skills development tools, integration, hybrid environments, retention, and benefits of hiring persons with disabilities.
  4. A second bilingual resource, which will focus on AODA reporting and compliance.

EnAbling Change Resources

Explore essential resources designed to help employers attract and retain talent from the disability community. One resource highlights the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and includes accessibility resources, business cases, skills development tools, and strategies for integrating diverse talent into hybrid work environments. Another resource offers guidance on AODA reporting and compliance requirements within the sector. 

Webinars

October 22, 2024

Access the transcript here: Beyond Accommodations Tapping Into the Talent of Persons with Disabilities Transcript 1

November 28, 2024

Access the transcript here: Beyond Accommodations Tapping Into the Talent of Persons with Disabilities Transcript 2

 

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EnAbling Change is funded by the Ontario Government of Canada.