Panel to identify private sector successes, best practices
The federal government has created a panel aimed at boosting jobs for persons with disabilities, according to Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finley.
The mandate of the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities is to identify private sector successes and best practices with regard to the labour market participation of persons with disabilities. As well, the panel will identify barriers and disincentives to their employment, said the government.
“Any vision of future growth and prosperity for Canada depends on getting more people into the labour force, including Canadians with disabilities,” said Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. “Many businesses have already adopted innovative approaches to the employment of people with disabilities that are both effective and affordable, and it’s important to build on this expertise and experience.”
Kenneth Fredeen, general counsel at Deloitte & Touche, will serve as panel chair.
The other members of the panel include:
•Gary Birch, executive director of the Neil Squire Society
•Kathy Martin, senior vice-president of human resources at Loblaw Companies
•Mark Wafer, owner of Megleen, which operates several Tim Hortons franchises.
Panel members have already begun to meet and online consultations for the public will begin in September.
The panel will prepare a report on its findings by December 2012.
