Main objective
Build industry and employer capacity to increase workforce participation of equity-deserving groups at all job levels in Alberta’s bio-economy, especially within the manufacturing sector.
The project objectives are to:
- Encourage Alberta bio-economy employers to attract equity-deserving groups as a source of talent by promoting actionable strategies and presenting realistic tools and tactics that employers can implement.
- Enhance knowledge of workforce demographics and challenges related to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) faced by bioeconomy employers in Alberta.
- Increase understanding of resources and recommendations available for employers to recruit and retain talent from equity-deserving groups within the manufacturing sector.
Timeline
March 11, 2024 – March 11, 2026
Industry Need
Alberta’s bio-economy faces a severe labour shortage amid expanding manufacturing capacities. With 51% of employers having fewer than eight employees and many lacking dedicated HR personnel, implementing effective Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Accessible (IDEA) policies is challenging. The sector needs a more diverse workforce—including women, newcomers, racialized Canadians, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, youth, mature workers, and LGBTQ+ individuals—to enhance resilience and expand the talent pool. However, Alberta’s bio-economy is notably underrepresented in these equity-deserving groups, with only 34% women, 20% visible minorities, 1% Indigenous, and 1% persons with disabilities.
BioTalent Canada is set to address this issue by offering targeted support to improve IDEA practices within Alberta’s bio-economy. We will provide actionable tools and tactics tailored to companies’ IDEA stages and offer a concierge service to support diverse recruitment and retention. Our strategy aims to boost global competitiveness and creativity by leveraging the potential of underrepresented equity-deserving populations.
Project Description
As part of this project, BioTalent Canada will spearhead the following initiatives:
- Research: BioTalent Canada will work closely with industry partners in Alberta and stakeholders to assess the representation of equity-deserving groups in Alberta’s bio-economy using a Labour Market Impact (LMI) survey. Following this, an environmental scan of existing IDEA resources will be completed.
- IDEA Resource Library: Based on research findings, BioTalent Canada will create an online library with curated IDEA resources and tools for Alberta employers. The library will also include BioTalent Canada’s existing IDEA tools.
- Concierge Services: An in-house BioTalent Canada concierge will assist employers in navigating IDEA resources and connect them with relevant support organizations, such as immigrant employment councils and service agencies.
- Virtual Networking: BioTalent Canada will host bi-monthly virtual meetings featuring Alberta-based role models – employers who will share successful IDEA strategies, amplifying the message that hiring from equity-deserving groups is a win-win for all.
The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services. 
