BioTalent Canada Unveils New Tools to Boost Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Ontario’s Bio-Economy

OTTAWA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 14, 2024--

BioTalent Canada is pleased to release new resources designed to help bio-economy employers attract, recruit, and retain persons with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive sector. The resources were developed through BioTalent Canada’s EnAbling Change Program, an initiative funded by the Government of Ontario to encourage inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) within Ontario’s burgeoning bio-economy.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241114175031/en/

According to BioTalent Canada’s 2021 Ontario regional spotlight, Close-up on the Bio-economy, Ontario will likely need an additional 24,500 new workers by 2029 to meet the sector’s growing demand. With approximately 2.6 million Ontarians identifying as having a disability, the potential to narrow the talent gap is there. Yet, the bio-economy employs less than one percent of these often highly skilled individuals within the sector's workforce.

“Building an inclusive workforce is essential to Ontario’s economic future,” says Rob Henderson, CEO of BioTalent Canada. “Our goal is to help employers recognize the value of IDEA in the workplace and provide them with the resources needed to implement a successful, inclusive talent strategy.”

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BioTalent Canada's latest employer resources offer practical strategies to promote inclusion and widen recruitment of persons with disabilities by providing:

“Research consistently shows that diverse teams lead to innovation and improved financial performance,” adds Henderson. “By using these tools to help adopt an IDEA mindset, bio-economy employers can make a significant impact, not just on their organizations but across the entire sector.”

“Creating accessible job opportunities is not just a matter of equity, it’s a cornerstone of a thriving, inclusive economy,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “BioTalent Canada’s innovation and leadership will help break down barriers and build a stronger, more resilient workforce that everyone can be a part of.”

To learn more about BioTalent Canada’s EnAbling Change Program, and to download the latest employer resources, visit biotalent.ca/EnAblingChange2024. For more information on the EnAbling Change program, visit Ontario.ca/page/enabling-change-program.

Rob Henderson is available for comment.

The views expressed in this release are the views of BioTalent Canada and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province.

Funded by the Government of Ontario.

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® for 2024 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 2024 and a 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter for 2024, 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.

(Graphic: Business Wire)

NEW YORK (AP) — After ripping higher for much of this year, the price of gold has suddenly become not so golden since Donald Trump's victory in the presidential election.

Gold fell more than 4% in the four days since Election Day, when the broad U.S. stock market climbed nearly 4%. That's even though investors are expecting a Trump White House to drive tax rates lower and tariffs higher. Such a combination could push the U.S. government's debt and inflation higher, which are both things that can help gold's price.

That's left gold at $2,618 per ounce, as of late Monday, down from a record of roughly $2,800 set late last month. It also means gold has lost some luster as the best performing investments of the year. The largest exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of gold has seen its gain for 2024 drop back below 27% from nearly 35% a couple weeks earlier.

What's going on? Part of the decline has coincided with the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies. Tariffs and trade wars instigated by the United States could push down the value of the euro and other countries' currencies, and a strong U.S. dollar makes it more expensive for buyers using those other currencies to purchase gold.

Trump's preference for lower taxes and higher tariffs is also forcing Wall Street to ratchet back expectations for how many cuts to interest rates the Federal Reserve will deliver next year. Fewer rate cuts would mean Treasury bonds pay more in interest than previously expected, and that in turn could hurt gold's price. Gold, which pays its owners zero dividends or income, can look less attractive when bonds are paying more.

Gold, of course, still has its reputation for offering a safer place for investors when things are shaky around the world. Whether it's been because of wars or political strife, investors often flock to gold when they're not feeling confident about other investments. And with wars still raging in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, while political tensions still seem as high as ever, gold will likely stay in many investors' portfolios.

“Gold continues to be the safe haven asset class of choice for both investors and central banks,” according to money managers at Robeco, which handles investments for big institutional investors.

FILE - Gold bars are shown stacked in a vault at the United States Mint on July 22, 2014 in West Point, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)