HR Microscope - April 2026 - BioTalent Canada

April 2026

New Canadian bio-economy AI course launched

BioTalent Canada and Propero Learning Systems launched AI Fundamentals for the Bio-economy, a new foundational Artificial Intelligence training course geared to small and medium-sized companies in Canada’s bio-economy. With it, Canada’s bio-economy will now have access to AI training tailored to the sector’s unique needs, and employers and their teams will have a human-centred, sector-built AI learning experience that reflects how the bio-economy actually works.

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Free training to protect your team from workplace harassment

Free, bilingual workplace sexual harassment courses are designed specifically for SMEs in the Canadian bio‑economy. Developed with legal experts and informed by real‑world input from employers and employees, the training reflects the realities your teams face. In two self‑paced, 45‑minute sessions, you will:

Learn how to recognize and prevent sexual harassment
Understand how to respond in a safe, trauma‑informed way
Strengthen trust, productivity and your organization’s reputation

Enroll today

Move your 2026-27 Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) application to the front of the queue

Through BioTalent Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, bioscience employers can access funding support to hire post-secondary students, strengthen their teams and contribute to the industry’s growth. SWPP enables employers to hire motivated students who bring new perspectives and valuable skills to the workplace.

Employers who successfully complete BioTalent Canada’s Workplace Sexual Harassment training, Building a Safer Bio-economy: Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, may be eligible to move their SWPP application to the front of the review queue.

Apply now

I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship promotional image supporting students entering biosciences programs in Canada.

Build your path in Canada’s growing bio-economy

Canada’s bioeconomy is growing and needs diverse new talent. The I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ helps students entering their first year in biosciences programs who are IDEA (Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) advocates reduce financial barriers so they can focus on their studies and future careers.

If you are an Indigenous student, a student with a disability, or a newcomer to Canada entering a biosciences program, you could receive a $10,000 award.

Find full eligibility details and the application form here:
The I.D.E.A.L Scholarship – BioTalent Canada

Share this with a student who is considering a future in biosciences. Applications close June 8^th, 2026.

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Photo celebrating BioTalent Canada Difference Maker Award recipient Sumayyah Petrus.

Difference Maker Award

We are pleased to announce that Sumayyah Petrus is the quarterly winner of BioTalent Canada’s “Difference Maker” award.

Sumayyah demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, bringing care, fairness, and intention to how people and perspectives are represented in her work. She strengthens collaboration and demonstrates leadership by supporting colleagues and building trust through thoughtful, professional engagement with others.

Approaching complex tasks with curiosity, Sumayyah brings clarity by asking critical questions early and grounding decisions in evidence. Through her contributions, Sumayyah reinforces BioTalent Canada’s reputation as a trusted, professional partner and makes a meaningful impact on both our work and our culture. Congratulations, Sumayyah, and thank you for continuing to make a difference!

The Difference Maker Award celebrates those who embody our values of Diversity and Inclusion, Collaboration, Transparency, Leadership, Curiosity, Science-Infused Data-Driven Approach, and Impactful Outcomes through their exceptional contributions.

CellCAN pan‑Canadian Strategic Forum image highlighting Rob Henderson in workforce discussions for the cell and gene therapy sector.

BioTalent Canada at CellCAN’s pan-Canadian Strategic Forum

At CellCAN’s pan-Canadian strategic forum in Montréal, BioTalent Canada President & CEO, Rob Henderson, was part of a national conversation driving workforce solutions for Canada’s growing cell and gene therapy sector.

Workforce development remains critical to the continued growth of Canada’s cell and gene therapy sector. From credentialing to retention, ensuring employers have access to skilled, job-ready talent is key to building a resilient and competitive bio-economy.

More from our partners…

Through HealthPartners, workplace campaigns make it easy to support 20 Canadian health charities while building culture, connection, and purpose across organizations.

In this video, HealthPartners’ CEO, Margaux Stastny, shares how donors are making a difference for people living with illness and other health conditions.

Watch now and see how your workplace can get involved.

Watch now