OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#IDEA–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.
“Our IDEA strategy isn’t just a framework—it’s something we try to live every day,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “We’re proud to be recognized for our efforts, but prouder to represent a best practice for Canada’s bio-economy.”
An internal employee engagement survey conducted in 2025 revealed that:
- 94% of staff reported that BioTalent Canada follows through on its IDEA commitments.
- 97% felt the organization is an inclusive workplace where people of all different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs are treated fairly.
- 100% of staff reported feeling welcome and included in BioTalent Canada’s culture.
BioTalent Canada’s commitment to IDEA extends beyond its own team. As a national workforce development council, the organization equips small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with practical, evidence-based tools to help them compete for talent and build inclusive workplace cultures.
According to BioTalent Canada’s national labour market intelligence report, Canada’s bio-economy will require 65,000 new workers by 2029—a demand many SMEs struggle to meet. To support employers, BioTalent Canada offers:
- The I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer™ Recognition Program, which helps build employer brand and credibility
- An employer resource toolkit to help integrate IDEA into recruitment, onboarding and retention
BioTalent Canada’s award-winning approach to IDEA extends beyond its internal practices and employer supports—it also reaches the next generation of talent. In 2024, the organization launched the I.D.E.A.L. Scholarship™, providing financial support to Indigenous students and persons with disabilities entering their first year of a bioscience post-secondary program. In 2025, the scholarship was expanded to include newcomers to Canada, reinforcing BioTalent Canada’s long-term commitment to removing barriers and creating a more equitable, diverse talent pipeline for the bio-economy.
“Our goal is to build a bio-economy where every employer—regardless of size or resources—can compete for talent, foster innovation and create welcoming workplaces,” adds Henderson. “This award reflects our belief that IDEA represents not only a values-based choice, but a competitive advantage.”
To learn more about the I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer Recognition Program, visit biotalent.ca/IDEALEmployer.
Is it important for your organization to stay updated on the latest HR trends and practices? Contact Soufiane at info@biotalent.ca to find out how BioTalent Canada can help.
Rob Henderson is available for comment.
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, as a workforce development council, 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.
BioTalent Canada has received varied distinctions following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization. By practicing the same industry standards it recommends to partners, the organization has been honored with the following titles:
- Great Place to Work® since 2019 and one of the Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023 by Great Place to Work Canada®
- The Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards
- 2024 Collaboration Catalyst by Magnet Network
- One of Canada’s Best Places to Work by HRD Canada for 2024
- 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter since 2023
For more information, visit biotalent.ca.
About 2025 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employers
To determine the companies with the most effective DE&I programs, Canadian HR Reporter first invited organizations to participate by filling out an employer form, which asked them to explain their diversity and inclusion initiatives and practices.
Next, employees from nominated companies were asked to fill out an anonymous form evaluating their workplace on a number of metrics. To be considered, each organization had to reach a minimum number of employee responses based on overall size. Organizations that achieved an 80 per cent or greater average satisfaction rating from employees were named 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employers for 2025.
For more information, visit HRReporter.com.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Eli Duern
Project Manager, Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 225
eduern@biotalent.ca
