New Program Boosts Workforce Opportunities by Championing Disability Inclusion in Canada's Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector

Food Processing Skills Canada launched FoodAbility, a new program that recognizes more than 800,000 people with disabilities in Canada have the potential to find meaningful employment, but are not employed.

The Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry is a top employer in the country, with a workforce of more than 310,000 people in 2023. However, due to industry growth and retirements, the demand for new hires requires an addition of almost 12,000 new people annually. Building the diversity and inclusion of the industry's workforce, which already outperforms the general labour force in employing New Canadians, is a top priority, as is tapping into the potential of engaging individuals with disabilities.

"The Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry is underperforming when it comes to people with disabilities or functional limitations in the workplace. Approximately 1 in 3 Canadians identify as having a disability, but that is not representative of the industry's workforce," said Jennefer Griffith, Executive Director of Food Processing Skills Canada. "We know businesses are ready to address barriers in hiring people with disabilities and engage in the education necessary to drive successful employment, but they need support. FoodAbility is the first industry-targeted program for Canadian food and beverage manufacturers dedicated to connecting hiring businesses with individuals with disabilities."