LEADERS EXPLORE WAYS TO CREATE A MORE INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE

Large and small employers share business cases demonstrating
benefits of employing people with disabilities

TORONTO, Nov. 29 /CNW/ - More than 250 leaders from Ontario's private, public and non-profit sectors will come together today for ACTION Makes it Happen, the 7^th Annual JOIN (Job Opportunities Information Network) Employer Conference presented by the Ontario government and Scotiabank.

The conference will explore strategies to help employers increase their understanding and capacity for full inclusion of persons with disabilities into their customer base as well as into their workforces.

"It's no longer enough for us to sit and discuss the talent, potential and benefits of employees with disabilities," said Madeleine Meilleur, Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. "Our government wants workplace accessibility and hiring people with disabilities to be part of every employer's normal process and we're so pleased that events like the JOIN conference are here to help."

"Today's conference highlights the importance of collaborating to create a work environment that allows people with disabilities to reach their professional potential," said Sabi Marwah, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Scotiabank. "Ontario has a diverse and capable population of people with disabilities who are eager to be meaningfully and gainfully employed. Scotiabank is proud to support the JOIN conference and the doors it opens to solutions for a more accessible and inclusive workforce."

Featured speakers include:

• The Honourable Lt. Governor of Ontario, David C. Onley
• The Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Ontario Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
• Mr. Sabi Marwah, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Scotiabank
• Ms. Val Lougheed, founder and President of Northern Lights Canada, who will speak on her unique perspective as both a former job seeker with a disability and as business professional dedicated to locating employment for disabled job seekers
• Mr. Ben Barry, CEO and Founder of the Ben Barry Agency, the first modeling agency in the world that promotes models with disabilities.

About the Job Opportunity Information Network (JOIN)
JOIN is a network of 21 agencies who offer employment services to job seekers and employers. JOIN assists persons living with a disability to find and maintain work, and assists employers in recruiting these qualified candidates to satisfy their hiring needs.

For further information:

Sharon M. Myatt 416-320-3870
[email protected]