July/August 2025
BioTalent Canada earns national DEI honour for third year—continues to raise the bar in workplace inclusion
BioTalent Canada has once again been named a 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter. This recognition underscores the organization’s leadership in fostering inclusive workplace practices and driving change across Canada’s bio-economy.
Selected as one of 14 winners, BioTalent Canada stands out for embedding IDEA—Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility— into every aspect of its operations. The national award celebrates employers that are not only making meaningful internal change but also setting the tone for others in their sector.
Bio-economy employers to have access to new practical training to address workplace harassment
Employers in Canada’s bio-economy will gain support with a new initiative addressing workplace sexual harassment. BioTalent Canada’s latest project, Building a safer bio-economy: Addressing sexual harassment in the workplace, is funded in part by the Department of Justice Canada. It includes extensive research and consultation with subject matter experts to inform the development of online training courses for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This project will give employers the practical support to confidently manage challenges related to workplace sexual harassment without adding administrative burdens.
Limited time offer! Invest in your team—get up to 70% back on training
In bioscience, your people are your biggest advantage. Developing their skills takes time and money most small companies don’t have to spare.
Now you don’t have to choose between day-to-day operations and workforce growth. A new initiative is giving Canadian bioscience companies like yours access to financial support that covers up to 70% of your team’s training costs.
This is your chance to:
- Invest in industry-recognized technical and essential skills training
- Boost productivity without stretching your internal resources
- Attract and retain top-tier talent by showing you’re committed to their growth
This opportunity is time-limited and designed with small biotech innovators in mind. Don’t miss the chance to build a stronger, more skilled team—on a budget that works.
Don’t miss out on your spot. Space is limited.
Reach out to Soufiane at [email protected] to learn more and get started.
Are you looking to increase your branding and awareness in the bio-economy? Reach out to Soufiane [email protected].
Breaking barriers, building careers: How Gotcare is elevating Personal Support Workers through IDEA
As a recipient of BioTalent Canada’s 2025 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer™ Recognition program, Gotcare is being celebrated for its outstanding commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). This national recognition highlights employers in Canada’s bio-economy that are setting new standards for inclusive practices, workforce development, and community impact.
Gotcare’s story stands out for its innovative approach to empowering Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and reshaping home and community care through IDEA.
At Gotcare, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) are more than guiding principles, they are embedded into every decision the organization makes. One of Gotcare’s most powerful initiatives, and a cornerstone of its IDEA strategy, is the introduction of the Health Ambassador role. Designed to address high turnover rates and promote upward professional mobility among unregulated healthcare professionals such as Personal Support Workers (PSWs) in Canada, this initiative empowers them to take on broader responsibilities in supporting patient care and self-management, especially in a healthcare system burdened by burnout and chronic staffing shortages.
Difference Maker Award
We are pleased to announce that Melanie Hannaberry is the quarterly winner of BioTalent Canada’s “Difference Maker” award.
Melanie embodies leadership in every aspect of her role, fostering a culture of teamwork across the organization. She takes a problem-solving approach in all that she does, using her sense of curiosity to learn and to support others. Melanie ensures to include diverse perspectives in all that she does, building a sense of inclusion and belonging that is felt throughout our team and beyond. Congratulations, Melanie, 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.
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
Interested in joining the BioTalent Canada team?
We’re looking for a Business Development Manager and a Marketing and Events Coordinator who are passionate about helping grow Canada’s bio-economy.
More from our partners…
Life Sciences Week 2025
Join us for Alberta’s Life Sciences Week from September 22–26!
Life Sciences Week is back—this is your chance to dive into one of Canada’s fastest-growing ecosystems and connect with the people driving it forward.
Join us in Alberta to connect with researchers, founders, investors, policy makers and industry leaders who are advancing the life sciences sector. Tour Edmonton’s growing Life Sciences Campus and learn more about our expanding manufacturing capacity, design to scale innovation. Watch bold startup pitches that spotlight the next wave of biotech and advanced therapeutics.
Hear inspiring conversations on innovations in clinical trials, rural health access and journeys from post-doc to entrepreneur — all focused on shaping the future of life sciences.
Be a part of this momentous event – mark your calendar and get ready to register!
adMare Executive Institute opens applications for eighth cohort
The adMare Academy is now accepting applications for the eighth cohort of its exclusive Executive Institute, Canada’s premier leadership development program tailored for senior professionals in the life sciences sector.
Bioenterprise Canada Celebrates 5 Years of The Engine, the Nation’s Leading Food & Agri-Tech Alliance
Bioenterprise Canada is marking the fifth anniversary of Canada’s Food & Agri-Tech Engine (The Engine), a coast-to-coast alliance that unites like-minded innovators, partners, and investors to fast-track breakthrough agri-food solutions.
Stay informed with BioTalent Canada news. Subscribe today.
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 | Enterprise Machine Intelligence & Learning Initiative (EMILI) | Invest Mississauga | IPS-Integrated Project Services, ULC | McMaster University- DeGroote School of Business | Meeturtalent Inc. | Montréal Invivo | Northeastern University – Toronto Campus | Notch Therapeutics | OBIO | Research Canada | ResearchNB | Shift Health | 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 | York University | ZerotoOne Strategic
Supporting
BioBenefits | Brevitas | BIOTECanada | Canurta | City of Toronto | Glyconet | Medtech Canada | Able Innovations | Kingston Economic Development
Showcase Employers
Aspect Biosystems | Charles River Laboratories | Eurofins | Global Institute for Food Security | Ottawa Hospital Research Institute | Providence Therapeutics | Resilience Biotechnologies | Sanofi | Zymeworks
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Ottawa, ON
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