MOOSE JAW — October was Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) and SaskAbilities — the organization hosting the Partners in Employment and MentorAbility Saskatchewan programs — celebrated its ongoing successes with a free luncheon for employers at the Moose Jaw Events Centre recently.
“It’s truly a pleasure to be here… for an inspiring event during (DEAM)… which is about celebrating the incredible work done to promote inclusive employment and recognizing the unique contributions of our local community,” announced Allyson Schaefer, supervisor of Partners in Employment for Moose Jaw and Regina.
“Campaigns like DEAM shine a light on the importance of creating inclusive workplaces, and such initiatives… are essential to bring attention to the valuable contributions that people experiencing disability make to our province’s social and economic well-being.”
Each year, hundreds of additional employers are contacted by SaskAbilities to build new partnerships and to find inclusive solutions to help meet labour needs. SaskAbilities acknowledges the importance of time and labour costs and addresses this by streamlining the recruitment and retention process.
During the 2023-2024 contract year, 248 individuals in Moose Jaw and Regina found new employment through Partners in Employment and 934 employers were approached by the organization.
Schaefer said that, over the next 10 to 15 years, the Canadian economy is projected to lose approximately 25 per cent of its workforce, largely due to retirement or workers aging out.
Almost 22 per cent of Canadians identify as experiencing a disability, she said, adding that this equates to the combined population of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. “When you add family, friends, and loved ones… that’s equivalent to (around 54) per cent of our population that is directly impacted by disability.”
Schaefer has seen the numbers continue to increase over the past 20 years but said a great potential exists in the marketplace. “The 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability showed that, among those with disabilities aged 25 to 64 who were not employed, two in five (42 per cent) had the potential to work,” she said.
“That translates into 741,280 Canadians. That is a huge untapped labour pool.”
Brianne Munro, the general manager of The Canadian Brewhouse in Moose Jaw, was recognized for her role in creating an inclusive workplace. The highlight of her presentation was the successful hire of Amy, who joined the team thanks to SaskAbilities.
“Amy started working with us back in April and has become a genuine member of our team,” Munro said. “The energy and positivity that she has brought into our store has been contagious and inspiring to our entire staff, with her confidence and the genuine pride… in everything she does.”
Another employer — who was not highlighted during the luncheon — is Hanover Cabinets co-owned by Jason and Joe Cushway. The employer was approached by a Partners in Employment representative earlier this year and now employs Autumn, who has more than proven herself through quick learning, dedication, and a careful attention to detail.
After his experience, Jason Cushway said he’d hire through the program again. “If I have a job available and they approached me again, yeah. I would do this all over again in a heartbeat.”
Mayor Clive Tolley formally proclaimed October 2024 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Moose Jaw before handing the floor to Adam Kramer, director of human resources and training for Commissionaires South Saskatchewan who shared a few words about the partnering organization.
“As we look ahead, let us remember that creating an inclusive workforce is not just a goal, but a continuous journey,” Schaefer said in her closing remarks. “By working together, we can break down barriers and open doors to opportunities for everyone.
“We can build a future where inclusivity is actually the norm and everyone has a chance to thrive.”
For more information on MentorAbility visit SupportedEmployment.ca/Initiatives/MentorAbility.
To learn more about SaskAbilities visit SaskAbilities.ca or call 1-833-444-4023 toll free. Moose Jaw’s SaskAbilities office is located at 8 Wood Lily Drive.
