Ottawa, February 10, 2025 – Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) has been recognized by BioTalent Canada as an I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer™ for 2024-2025.
This recognition highlights the efforts of LSO in implementing inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) best practices into their workplace while shaping a stronger Canadian bio-economy.
“We are honoured to be recognized as a 2024-2025 I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employer,” says Jason Field, President and CEO of LSO. “At LSO, fostering inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility is not just about creating a welcoming workplace—it’s about driving innovation, strengthening collaboration and contributing to the growth of Canada’s bio-economy. This recognition reinforces our commitment to embedding these principles in everything we do, and we hope to inspire others to join us in building a stronger, more inclusive sector.”
BioTalent Canada has been awarding this distinction over the past three years to organizations across Canada that are leading the way in creating a more diverse and inclusive landscape needed to drive growth and innovation. Applicants of the program undergo rigorous evaluation using a set standard of 7 key criteria points, including:
- The alignment of IDEA to the vision, values, strategies and outcomes
- Leadership accountability for IDEA
- How the organization prioritizes inclusive talent management practices.
Following a comprehensive evaluation by BioTalent Canada, LSO was announced as one of this year’s 16 recipients recognized as I.D.E.A.L. Bioscience Employers.
“In today’s competitive market, fostering inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business strategy,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “Organizations that embrace these principles see tangible benefits, from improved employee engagement and retention to enhanced innovation and market reach. By prioritizing IDEA, companies like Life Sciences Ontario are not only strengthening their workplace culture but also positioning themselves as leaders in the bio-economy, driving both business success and industry growth.”
To learn more about the program and the 2024-2025 recipients, please visit biotalent.ca/IDEALEmployer.
About BioTalent Canada
BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada, as a workforce development council, is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.
BioTalent Canada has received varied distinctions following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization. By practicing the same industry standards it recommends to partners, the organization has been honored with the following titles:
- The Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards
- 2024 Collaboration Catalyst by Magnet Network
- Great Place to Work® for 2024 and Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023 by Great Place to Work Canada®
- Best Workplace by HRD Canada for 2024
- 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter for 2024
For more information, please visit biotalent.ca.
About Life Sciences Ontario
Life Sciences Ontario (LSO) is a member-funded, not-for-profit organization with a legacy of more than 35 years advancing the success of Ontario’s life sciences sector. LSO collaborates with government, academia, industry, and other life sciences organizations in Ontario and across Canada to promote and encourage commercial success throughout the sector. LSO is an effective conduit for delivering policy options to governments and is dedicated to promoting Ontario’s life sciences sector internationally.
Media Contact
Sharanya Rajesh
Marketing & Communications Manager
Life Sciences Ontario
sharanya@lifesciencesontario.ca
162 Cumberland Street, Suite 310, Toronto, ON M5R 1A8
www.lifesciencesontario.ca
