Enabling Change: Electricity Sector Employment for Persons with Disabilities
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.”
