Industry Engagement will more precisely define job descriptions, skills profiles and bio-readiness for candidates
OTTAWA, Nov. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) and BioTalent Canada have signed a landmark agreement that will see the two organizations collaborate on identifying and developing the job skills required to address the skills gap for Canada's knowledge-based life sciences and biotechnology industries. Canada's bio-economy continues to be an important driver to sustain the country's economic growth, job creation and prosperity now and for the next generation. This partnership was announced at Rx&D's Annual General Meeting (AGM) with industry members and stakeholders on hand.
BioTalent Canada is the human resources (HR) hub for Canada's bio-economy, and is a source for HR intelligence, tools and services that biotech companies need for staff planning, skills development and future growth—essential to their business success. Rx&D's involvement will strengthen industry engagement through collaboration and by providing the additional insights driving this economic sector to more precisely define Canada's skills capacity and potential for the bio-economy.
"BioTalent Canada's HR products and services connect biotech employers with talent, preparing people for jobs to ensure SME biotech companies have the rights skills to drive the commercialization of new products and services and to seek capital investments," said Rob Henderson, President of BioTalent Canada. "This national partnership with Rx&D marks an important new direction for both our organizations."
"The world of life sciences R&D is changing, and so is our industry. Partnerships and collaboration are key to strengthening Canada's capacity for R&D, and to gain an increased share of the global investment," said Russell Williams, President of Rx&D. "Part of supporting excellence in life sciences research in Canada is attracting and retaining the best talent. We are pleased to work with BioTalent Canada to generate the industry intelligence needed to map, forecast and address skills shortages and to to secure the long-term success of life sciences companies that are bringing new medicines and vaccines to Canadians."
The new alliance provides the opportunity for Rx&D to offer future input and gives Rx&D enhanced access to BioTalent Canada's many products and services, in particular, the country's only national, bilingual biotechnology job board, "The PetriDishTM.".
The partnership follows the recent launch of BioTalent Canada's new website—biotalent.ca. With over 250,000 downloads of products and services annually, the website provides critical HR tools to biotech companies, small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, strengthening Canada as a life sciences leader.
About Rx&D
Rx&D is the association of leading research-based pharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community represents the men and women working for more than 50 member companies which invest more than $1 billion in research and development each year to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy, contributing over $3 billion to the Canadian economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with governments, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
About BioTalent Canada
BioTalent Canada is the HR hub of Canada's bio-economy. A national non-profit organization, BioTalent Canada connects employers with job seekers, delivers human resource information and skills development tools to the bio-economy to ensure the industry has access to job-ready people.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program.
Image with caption: "Russell Williams (right), President, Rx&D and Rob Henderson, President, BioTalent Canada commemorate the announcement of their new national partnership at Rx&D's AGM which brought industry and stakeholders together to explore new collaborative opportunities to realize improved health outcomes for Canadians within a more sustainable health care environment (CNW Group/CANADA'S RESEARCH-BASED PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES (RX&D)) (CNW Group/BioTalent Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121115_C8340_PHOTO_EN_20706.jpg
SOURCE: BioTalent Canada
Isabelle Robillard
Media Relations
Rx&D
Telephone: 613-236-0455 ext. 831
E-mail: [email protected]
Siobhan Williams
Manager, Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
Telephone: 613-235-1402 ext. 229
E-mail: [email protected]
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