Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital has been named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the third year in a row. This award recognizes employers across Canada with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusive programs. It recognizes successful diversity initiatives in a variety of areas, including programs for employees from five groups: (a) women; (b) members of visible minorities; (c) persons with disabilities; (d) Indigenous peoples; and (e) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender/transsexual (LGBT) peoples.

Here are some of the reasons why Holland Bloorview was selected as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers (2024):

• Holland Bloorview supports the Ward family summer student research program, offering undergraduate students the opportunity to experience a unique interdisciplinary mentorship within the field of childhood disability research (includes a dedicated stream for an undergraduate student living with a disability as well as a stream for students who are of Indigenous descent).
• Holland Bloorview is a co-site host for Project SEARCH, a school-to-work employment training and transition program for high school students with intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Holland Bloorview recently refreshed its mental health strategy with a wide continuum of supports, from organization-level mental health promotion to individual-level mental health intervention -- the strategy includes encouraging professional growth and development through education supports, wellness resources such as yoga and a lunch hour swim program for staff and providing stress first aid training across the organization

We are grateful to receive this important recognition as a symbol of our organizational commitment to creating and sustaining environments that are inclusive, welcoming spaces for all,” says Julia Hanigsberg, president and CEO, Holland Bloorview. “We are grateful to our staff who bring their true selves and diverse perspectives to deliver safe, high-quality care each and every day."

Holland Bloorview is committed to building and fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, accessible and anti-racist environment, where all individuals are valued and treated with respect and fairness. We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, identity, or ability, deserves the opportunity to fully contribute, participate, and thrive within our community. This recognition is a milestone in our ongoing commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

At Holland Bloorview, we believe in creating a world where all youth and children belong and are committed learning how to be an even more inclusive, equitable and engaging workplace so that we can all thrive,” says Lorraine Thomas, manager, inclusion, diversity, equity accessibility and anti-racism (IDEAA). “We are honored by this recognition, but more importantly, we are inspired to continue our journey, knowing that the work of building a truly inclusive community is ongoing.” 

Some of the many initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion here at Holland Bloorview include:

• the formation of identity-based employee resource groups that allow staff to feel a sense of belonging; 
• supporting applicant and employee socio-demographic surveys which will allow us to ensure that our staff hires reflect the many communities we serve;
• working with system partners to promote inclusive employment for young people with disabilities. 

To learn more about our diversity and inclusion initiatives, visit our IDEAA website.

Learn more about Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and see the full list of winners, in the Canada's Top 100 Employers website.

If you are interested in joining the Holland Bloorview team, visit our careers webpage or follow us on LinkedIn.