BioTalent Canada is thrilled to announce its recognition as the Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards (BOBs). This honour celebrates organizations that lead by example, foster inclusive workplaces, and advance equitable opportunities in their industries. The national not-for-profit workforce development council is headquartered in Ottawa.
“At BioTalent Canada, we feel diversity, equity and inclusion are not just ideals; they are now part of our DNA,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “This award speaks to our ongoing efforts to create an environment where individuals can thrive and be heard. We endeavour to practice what we preach: a bio-economy that truly reflects the rich diversity of Canada.”
BioTalent Canada’s integration of IDEAL (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility leadership) principles into its business strategy has transformed its culture and operations. Recent initiatives include:
- Establishing an IDEA Committee: an employee-led group that guides team education initiatives and celebrations throughout the year and ensures that inclusivity, equity, diversity, and accessibility are embedded throughout the organization.
- Cultivating an Inclusive Workplace: Through open forums and conversations sparked by employees’ lived experiences of systemic racism, and a commitment to transparency and equity in hiring, BioTalent Canada wants to foster a culture of respect and belonging.
- Supports Creating Diverse Talent Beyond the Organization: IDEA is the backdrop of its National Talent Strategy to ensure Canada’s bio-economy builds a strong workforce. All BioTalent Canada’s programs contain an IDEA component including:
- The I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer™ program helps employers showcase their commitment to IDEA leadership and attract diverse talent.
- The I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Scholarship™ program, established in 2024, empowers and propels individuals from equity-deserving groups who are IDEA leaders to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
- Practical employer resources to help create a diverse workforce through topics such as hiring persons with disabilities and internationally educated professionals; and adopting inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in the workplace.
“This award is a recognition of past and current efforts; it’s a call to action for SMEs in our industry,” adds Henderson. “With the bio-economy needing 65,000 skilled workers by 2029, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to create pathways for equity-deserving talent. Inclusion is not just ethical; it’s essential for our industry’s growth and innovation.”
The company’s recent Employee Engagement Survey results underscore BioTalent Canada’s progress:
- 97% of employees believe diversity of people and opinions is valued at BioTalent Canada.
- 95% feel the workplace is inclusive, treating people equally regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
With distinctions in 2024, including Magnet Network’s 2024 Collaboration Catalyst award, 5-Star DEI Employer designation by Canadian HR Reporter and recognition as one of Canada’s Great Places to Work, BioTalent Canada is trying to set a standard for a sustainable and inclusive bio-economy as one of its SMEs.
Rob Henderson is available for comment.
Explore HRtech News for the latest Tech Trends in Human Resources Technology.
