OTTAWA, Canada–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ait–BioTalent Canada today announced the organizations who have distinguished themselves as Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Leaders through the I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer™ recognition program.


The program recognizes health and biosciences employers whose activities embody the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility leadership (I.D.E.A.L.), and are shaping a stronger and more innovative future for this critical sector.

In its second year, the program saw a marked increase in applications from Canadian organizations, both large and small. After carefully evaluating all applications received through an impartial evaluation, 15 recipients received the I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer designation for 2024.

“Innovation thrives when organizations make inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility a priority,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “We take great pride in being able to showcase the organizations that are setting the standard for bringing Canada’s health and biosciences work cultures into the future.”

READ: Stories of past recipients and other industry impact stories

BioTalent Canada created the program to elevate the importance of adopting IDEA best practices within the bio-economy.

To qualify for this recognition, employers were evaluated on a set of criteria used to determine an organization’s alignment of IDEA principles to their vision, values, strategies, and outcomes; leadership accountability for IDEA; and the priority the organization places on IDEA learning and awareness, among others.

“Diverse and inclusive teams bring together individuals with broad perspectives and experiences,” adds Henderson. “This diversity of thought fosters innovation and creativity: crucial elements to the growth and success of the bio-economy. We hope that more organizations in the sector are inspired to join this growing list of difference makers.”

Recipients of the 2023-2024 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer Recognition Program include (listed alphabetically): AgriTech North, Amino Labs North, Aruna Revolution Health Inc, BioCanRx, Charles River Laboratories, Health Cities, INTREPID Lab, Life Sciences Ontario, Neuraura Biotech Inc, NorthernRNA, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), Raft Brew Labs, Savyn Tech, Shift Health, and STEMCELL Technologies.

About BioTalent Canada:

BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.

Recently named a Great Place to Work® and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023, by Great Place to Work Canada®, as well as being listed as a Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2023 and a 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter, BioTalent Canada practices the same industry standards it recommends to stakeholders. These varied distinctions were awarded to BioTalent Canada following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization.

For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.

Contacts

Media Inquiries:
Siobhan Williams

Vice-President Marketing and Communications

BioTalent Canada

613-235-1402 ext. 229

swilliams@biotalent.ca