OTTAWA, March 25, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today spoke at the Infonex 13th Annual Managing Your Duty to Accommodate Conference in Ottawa.
Minister Leitch spoke about the skills and labour shortages in many industries and the importance of maximizing the skills and talents of all Canadians, including groups that are under-represented in the workforce like women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities and members of visible minorities.
She also stressed the importance for organizations to identify workplace hazards and risks, and to continue to create work environments that address the diverse needs of Canadian workers.
The conference provided managers and leaders with successful practices, strategies and solutions to help them meet their duty to accommodate obligations. Leading experts from various industries and organizations spoke to participants about practical tools and proven strategies they need to tackle emerging accommodation challenges. The conference also helped update participants on the latest legal developments and assisted them with implementing accommodation plans within their organizations.
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada provided more than $366,000 to the Mental Health Commission of Canada to support the development of the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
- According to the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, there are approximately 800,000 working-age people with disabilities in this country who are employable but have yet to find a job.
- In a recent survey, the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling reported that 7 out of 10 executives said that they were having trouble finding employees with the right skills.
- Through Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government will launch a Canadian Employers for Caregivers Plan to engage with employers on cost-effective workplace solutions to help maximize caregivers' labour market participation. The Plan will include the creation of an employer panel that would identify promising workplace practices that support caregivers.
Quote
"The diversity of Canada's workforce contributes to our strong and competitive economy. Skills and labour shortages in many industries mean that Canadian businesses must find innovative ways to meet these shortages, which includes hiring under-represented groups like women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities and members of visible minorities."
- The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch,
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Associated Links
SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada
Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Leitch
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
[email protected]
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