Minister Kenney's National Panel to Address Labour Barriers for Newcomers Supported by BioTalent Canada

OTTAWA, Oct. 28, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - BioTalent Canada is supporting the announcement of the creation of a national panel, announced on October 24 by the Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada, to consult with stakeholders on how to overcome challenges that newcomers to Canada face in finding jobs. BioTalent Canada is the national non-profit association tasked to provide HR expertise to Canada's bio-economy.

The national panel is now holding consultations in seven cities across the country to consult with small and large businesses, associations, immigrant serving agencies and associations in an effort to uncover best practices and identify specific challenges that newcomers face prior to and upon arrival in Canada when looking for new jobs.

BioTalent Canada, in the person of its President & CEO Rob Henderson, has been named as one of several panelists that will serve at the Minister's invitation.

"BioTalent Canada is pleased to support and work toward the important goals set forward by the Minister for the panel," said Mr. Henderson.  "With over 250,000 educated newcomers and their families arriving in Canada each year, it's crucial for the Canadian economy that we find ways to get them working as soon as possible," he said.

BioTalent Canada has been at the forefront of this issue, and has developed several online tools for newcomers as they attempt to find employment in Canada's bio-economy.  Currently, the organization is conducting a project aimed at finding alternative career paths for immigrant pharmacists that fail to obtain licensure here in Canada.  "Educated health professionals like pharmacists, physicians, nurses and veterinarians have critical scientific skills that can be transferred into alternative career paths in the bio-economy, through programs like our BioSkills Recognition Program," says Henderson.  "Trying to integrate those skills into jobs that more closely match the backgrounds of these people is exactly what the Canadian immigration systems and regulatory authorities should be striving for," he said.

The panel is currently consulting across the country and an online survey will be available through the Employment and Social Development website at www.esdc.gc.ca to reach as many stakeholders as possible. The panel hopes to table its report early in the new year.

About the BioSkills Recognition Program:

The BioSkills Recognition Program lets employers in Canada's bio-economy know that jobseekers have the capabilities and understanding to work in the industry. After successfully completing the program, jobseekers will be industry-recognized as BioReady – prepared to make their professional mark in Canada's bio-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

BioTalent Canada, Eli Duern, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, 613-235-1402 ext. 234, [email protected]