OTTAWA, Ontario — July 10, 2025 — Employers in Canada’s bio-economy will gain support with a new initiative addressing workplace sexual harassment. BioTalent Canada’s latest project, Building a safer bio-economy: Addressing sexual harassment in the workplace, is funded in part by the Department of Justice Canada. It includes extensive research and consultation with subject matter experts to inform the development of online training courses for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This project will give employers the practical support to confidently manage challenges related to workplace sexual harassment without adding administrative burdens.
“Managing complex workplace issues can be overwhelming for SMEs, especially without HR support,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “This project is about giving employers the knowledge and tools to act early, before issues escalate. Creating safe, inclusive environments will help companies protect their teams, reduce legal risks, and retain valuable talent.”
By engaging subject matter experts, employers and employees, BioTalent Canada will identify current gaps in policy, training, and reporting practices. These findings will inform the design of user-friendly training and resources tailored to the unique realities faced by SMES in the bio-economy, where 70% of bio-economy companies lack dedicated HR expertise and 34% of the workforce is made up of women.
As Canada’s bio-economy continues to evolve and expand, this training will offer simple, actionable steps that help employers prevent workplace sexual harassment, handle complaints effectively, and ensure compliance with the law without adding unnecessary complexity.
“Creating safe, respectful workplaces takes more than good intentions — it requires the right tools and training. That’s why our government is supporting BioTalent Canada’s new project, which will train employers to help them prevent workplace sexual harassment. This tailored approach for small and medium-sized enterprises will strengthen protections for workers and foster environments where everyone can thrive,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Sexual harassment isn’t just a legal risk—it’s a talent risk,” said Rob Henderson, CEO of BioTalent Canada. “In a sector where skilled labour is hard to find and harder to keep, this training helps employers build the kind of companies where people want to work. It’s practical, easy, and shaped by feedback from SMEs who know the pressures of growing a business without an HR team.”
