Enabling Change: Electricity Sector Employment for Persons with Disabilities

EIN EHRC Logo 400

March 16, 2022

EHRC (Electricity Human Resources Canada), in collaboration with the Government of Ontario’s Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, is launching a provincial initiative to expand the accessibility of jobs to persons with disabilities in the electricity sector. Like other sectors of the Ontario economy, the electricity sector is facing hiring challenges. Making more room in the sector for persons with a disability makes good business sense. This program will see the development of online resources and reference tools to support Ontario employers in building a more inclusive workforce for persons with disabilities.

The project outcomes will consist of best practices and success stories from Ontario electricity employers who have included people with disabilities on their teams. It will also include training materials and educational videos to inform users about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), and will address systemic and attitudinal barriers leading to the unemployment and underemployment of qualified persons with disabilities. The development of a safe space for aggregate data collection for persons with disabilities (including mental health) will help employers inform their own HR policies and practices.

Once developed, all the project resources will be accessible on the EHRC website. “This project will support employers in fostering accessible workplaces where everyone is able to participate,” says Michelle Branigan, CEO, EHRC. “It will provide persons with disabilities more access to meaningful and stable careers. Attracting and recruiting skilled talent is crucial for the electricity sector which faces an extremely tight labour market.” 

In Canada, businesses in all industries are facing hiring challenges. “There is a huge pool of people with disabilities in Ontario that are skilled and able to add value to businesses,” commented The Honourable Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Plus, we know that a diverse and inclusive workforce is proven to be more innovative. Based on EHRC’s work developing resources to support diversity, equity and inclusion for employers in the electricity sector, we are confident this program will provide long-term value for the people of Ontario.”

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    July 14, 2025 The rules for the installation of panelboards, circuits, and bonding in Patient Care Area depends on whether the area is designated as either, Basic Care, Intermediate Care or Critical Care. How are these areas defined? Read more on Section 24 — Health care areas Read More…

  • Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    July 14, 2025 In May, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose by $1.4 billion (+12.0%) to reach $13.1 billion. The increase in construction intentions was driven by Ontario’s institutional component (+$1.3 billion). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in May increased 11.8% from the previous month and was… Read More…

  • Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    July 14, 2025 Plan Group is proud to be a partner in the construction of the UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Plan Group will provide work on the project in: Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, Medical GasElectrical: Lighting & Controls, Power Distribution, Emergency Generators, UPSTechnology: Structured Cabling, AV Systems including Digital Signage and IPTV UHN’s 15-storey Surgical… Read More…

  • How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    July 14, 2025 The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    July 14, 2025 EB Horsman & Son are thrilled to unveil a new mural at their Campbell River branch, painted by the talented Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Adam Lewis. “This stunning piece celebrates Indigenous heritage and our community spirit,” said EB Horsman on LinkedIn. “As we mark 125 years of serving Western Canada and 55 years in… Read More…

  • Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    July 14, 2025 “The Red Seal Journeyman designation is the highest recognition in the trades, and we’re proud to have seen so many of our team members earn it under our watch,” said Glenco Electric on LinkedIn. “At Glenco, we’re big on mentorship and promoting from within. When you combine that with driven, hard-working professionals,… Read More…

  • Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    July 14, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million and launching the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their farming operations. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help local agriculture, agri-food… Read More…