April 2025
Empowering tomorrow’s bioscience leaders – Apply for the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™
Representation in Canadian biosciences matters. The I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™ is back to support students in biosciences from equity-deserving groups who show leadership in championing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) within their communities.
This scholarship awards three $10,000 scholarships to students entering post-secondary education in bioscience-related fields:
- One for a student identifying as Indigenous.
- One for a student identifying as a person with a disability.
- One for a newcomer to Canada.
BioTalent Canada is investing in future leaders who will help shape a more inclusive bio-economy. If you are committed to making biosciences more accessible and equitable in your school or community, this opportunity is for you. Apply today or share this e-mail with someone you think would be a good fit.
Are you interested in upskilling your team through industry-developed programs? Contact Soufiane at [email protected].
BioTalent Canada celebrates six years as a certified Great Place to Work®
For the sixth consecutive year, BioTalent Canada has earned the distinction of being certified as a Great Place to Work®, reinforcing its commitment to building a thriving, diverse, and resilient workforce in Canada’s bio-economy.
“To be recognized again as one of Canada’s premier workplaces is a tremendous honour,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “Our team continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to fostering talent and supporting innovation in the bioscience sector. This recognition reflects their passion, professionalism and shared vision for a stronger Canadian bio-economy.”
At a time when employers across the sector face critical skills gaps and shifting talent demands, BioTalent Canada tries to lead by example—promoting inclusive, high-performing workplace practices that align with both workforce research and employer needs.
New report reveals strategies to strengthen biomanufacturing workforce
A new report released by CASTL – Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences in partnership with Future Skills Centre – Centre des Compétences futures and BioTalent Canada outlines strategies to strengthen Canada’s biomanufacturing workforce.
As the sector expands, employers face growing challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled talent. This report offers practical approaches to sttract new and diverse workers, close skills gaps through targeted training and build a more resilient and future-ready workforce.
New resource for Alberta’s bio-economy will enhance diversity
With the Canadian bio-economy facing a critical talent shortage, a new resource library has been launched to help employers address their workforce needs. Developed by BioTalent Canada, this comprehensive collection of resources empowers organizations to attract, hire and retain diverse talent—strengthening their workforce and driving innovation.
A key component of this initiative focuses on access, community and belonging — or Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA). Almost all empirical research illustrates that diverse teams drive stronger business outcomes, yet many bio-economy employers struggle to implement effective IDEA strategies. The IDEA resource library provides practical tools to help organizations embed these principles into their recruitment, onboarding and workplace culture. By fostering inclusive workplaces, employers can tap into a broader talent pool, address labour shortages and drive their businesses forward while building a workforce that reflects their communities.
Explore our IDEA Resource Library
Breaking barriers and building bridges: How API’s commitment to IDEA is fueling innovation and growth
At Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API), inclusion isn’t just a value—it’s a strategy for growth. As one of Canada’s largest life sciences commercialization nonprofits, API has embraced Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) as a catalyst for innovation, talent and impact.
By building a culture where diverse perspectives drive collaboration and problem-solving, API has accelerated time to market, expanded its network of strategic partners, and attracted top talent seeking purpose-driven work. The result is a stronger, more resilient organization—one recognized as an I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer™ and a leader in inclusive excellence. API’s story is proof that when inclusion is embedded into leadership, culture, and operations, the benefits extend far beyond the workplace.
Announcing the quarterly winner of BioTalent Canada’s “Difference Maker” award
We are pleased to announce that Jennifer Ash is the quarterly winner of BioTalent Canada’s “Difference Maker” award.
Jenn is a dedicated and empathetic leader, who cultivates a supportive and inclusive team environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Her creative thinking drives solution focused problem solving, and her collaboration across our teams drives our success, internally and externally. Congratulations, Jenn, 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.
Would additional and easier access to the BioTalent Canada team be of value to your daily operations? Contact Soufiane at [email protected].
More from our partners…
Mark Your Calendar for Alberta’s Life Sciences Week – September 22-26!
Life Sciences Week is a celebration of Alberta’s vibrant and fast-growing life sciences sector—bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs and experts from across the province and beyond. Explore state-of-the-art facilities, pitch your ideas on a dynamic stage and engage in meaningful conversations with industry trailblazers. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, invest, showcase your work or simply learn more about the opportunities in Alberta, this is your gateway to connecting with diverse minds who are shaping the future of life sciences.
EMILI advances digital agriculture on Innovation Farms
Rapid growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning is transforming the way we grow, process, harvest, and deliver food, allowing us to do more, and in a more productive and sustainable way.
A great example of this can be found on Innovation Farms powered by AgExpert, 30 minutes northwest of Winnipeg, Manitoba. EMILI, an industry-led non-profit, works with producers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to develop viable solutions to the diverse agronomic and technological constraints and opportunities farmers face.
“We are proud of the work taking place at Innovation Farms,” said EMILI Managing Director Jacqueline Keena. “By providing opportunities on a full scale, commercial seed farm for innovators to test and validate how their solutions work in a real-life setting, and then sharing these insights to inform decision making, we de-risk the technology, giving farmers increased confidence in its capabilities prior to adopting it on their farm.”
Learn more about innovation farms
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Take a closer look at BioTalent Canada’s partners:
Platinum
Gold
Silver
adMare BioInnovations | Ag-West Bio | BioAlberta | BIOQuébec | Business Wire | CASTL | Gowling WLG | HealthPartners | Life Sciences Nova Scotia | Life Sciences Ontario | McGovern Management Group Inc. | PEI BioAlliance | Life Sciences BC | Stem Cell Network | IECBC
Bronze
Bioenterprise Corporation Canada | Bioindustrial Innovation Canada | Blue Branch | Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) | Co-operative Education and Work- Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) | Corporate Traveller | City of Mississauga | Enterprise Machine Intelligence & Learning Initiative (EMILI) | IPS-Integrated Project Services, ULC | McMaster University- DeGroote School of Business | Meeturtalent Inc. | Montréal Invivo | Northeastern University – Toronto Campus | Notch Therapeutics | ResearchNB | Riipen – Advance Ontario | Toronto Metropolitan University | University of Alberta – Faculty of Engineering | University of Calgary – Schulich School of Engineering | University of British Columbia | University of Manitoba | University of Toronto – Tri-Campus Co-op | University of Toronto – Master of Management of Innovation Program | University of Victoria | University of Waterloo | York University | ZerotoOne Strategic | Pharma Chem Academy | Research Canada | OBIO
Supporting
BioBenefits | BIOTECanada | Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC) | Canurta | City of Toronto | Glyconet | Medtech Canada | Able Innovations | Brevitas
Showcase Employers
Aspect Biosystems | Charles River Laboratories | Eurofins | Global Institute for Food Security | Ottawa Hospital Research Institute | Providence Therapeutics | Resilience Biotechnologies | Sanofi | Zymeworks
730 – 360 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON
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