Canada's Medical Device Industry Benefits from New Partnership

OTTAWA, Dec. 3, 2013 /CNW/ - MEDEC and BioTalent Canada announced today a new partnership that grants Canada's medical technology industry access to new human resource services to help businesses retain and attract talent crucial to its economic growth.

The partnership allows members of MEDEC enhanced access to BioTalent Canada's suite of HR services, including The PetriDish^TM, Canada's only bilingual biotechnology / medical technology job board. The agreement follows the release of a recent national labour market study: "Sequencing the Data: People Driving Canada's Bio-economy." The report identified factors like access to capital and skills shortages continue to hamper Canada's bio-economy. Both MEDEC and BioTalent Canada feel bringing the organizations together is the next step in ensuring Canada's medical technology industry is equipped with the talent to overcome these challenges, as well as make medical technologies work for all Canadians and be a driving force for Canada's economy.

"Respondents to our recent study indicated that commercialization skills such as management, business development, marketing and partnering are critical to their success in the next 3-5 years," said Rob Henderson, President & CEO of BioTalent Canada. "A third of medtech businesses are currently experiencing skills shortages, and employers need access to key talent now," he said.

"Strengthening the research and commercialization environment in Canada is crucial for the medical technology industry," said Brian Lewis, President & CEO of MEDEC. "Ensuring our members have access to the right skills is a part of creating this environment. We see partnering with BioTalent Canada as an opportunity for our members to draw from Canada's broad talent pool to reach their business goals."

Through the suite of products and services, as well as access to reciprocal marketing opportunities, the agreement will allow MEDEC members access to online and in-person training, professional development opportunities and research to support and enhance their HR efforts.

MEDEC joins the ranks of other BioTalent Canada partners, including organizations such as Rx&D (Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies), BIOTECanada, Scotiabank StartRight and Porter Airlines.

About MEDEC
MEDEC is the national association representing the medical technology industry in Canada. Our members are committed to providing safe and innovative medical technologies that enhance the quality of patient care, improve patient access to health care, and help enable the sustainability of our publically funded health care system.

The medical technology industry in Canada employs over 35,000 Canadians in approximately 1,500 facilities, and has sales of over $7 billion per annum. MEDEC is committed to supporting the growth of a strong and vibrant medical technology industry that contributes to Canada's innovation economy.

About BioTalent Canada:
BioTalent Canada is the HR partner of Canada's bio-economy. As an HR expert and national non-profit organization, BioTalent Canada focuses on building partnerships and skills for Canada's bio-economy to ensure the industry has access to job-ready people. Through projects, research and product development BioTalent Canada connects employers with job seekers, delivers human resource information and skills development tools so the industry can focus on strengthening Canada's biotech business. For more information please visit www.biotalent.ca.

SOURCE: BioTalent Canada

MEDEC
Debbie Gates
Manager, Events & Education
416-620-1915 ext. 236
[email protected]

BioTalent Canada
Siobhan Williams
Director, Marketing and Communications
613-235-1402 ext. 229
[email protected]