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s a trailblazer for inclusive employment, Open Door Group has been tirelessly exploring additional service options to further promote diversity, disability inclusion, and accessibility in the workplaces. We are proud to announce we are launching Canadian Partners in Workforce Innovation (CAN WiN).
CAN WiN, an extension of the immensely successful BC WiN, is an innovative recruitment, retention, training, and inclusive consulting service for employers. Previously funded as a research initiative, BC WiN has spearheaded a revolution in employer demand-based recruitment models that connect businesses with the untapped talent pool of individuals with disabilities. For over eight years, BC Partners in Workforce Innovation (BC WiN) has been at the forefront of empowering inclusion-focused employers in British Columbia to hire and retain individuals with disabilities. Since the beginning, Open Door Group has played an integral role in the creation and development of BC WiN, serving as one of its founding Service Partners.
"The CAN WiN approach can be likened to a specialized recruitment search service, exclusively targeting a unique talent pool. Our Inclusive Workforce Specialists collaborate closely with Employer Partners, commencing with their job openings and then harnessing the extensive network of Service Partners to identify and match suitable candidates for these opportunities.” - Jamie Millar-Dixon, the Principle Inclusive Workforce Specialist at CAN WiN
This innovative methodology for CAN WiN is built upon the foundation developed through BC WiN, The Four Pillars model, which focuses on accessible and inclusive employment. The pillars—Commitment, Readiness, Recruitment, and Retention—serve as guiding principles to enhance employer capacity and enable successful hiring and retention practices.
Taking the lead in this expansion, Open Door Group is the project holder for CAN WiN, thanks to the contribution of the Government of Canada's Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. We are thrilled to announce that in addition to British Columbia, CAN WiN services will now be offered in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.
“This in in line with our national expansion goals and provides us an opportunity to build on our collective capacity, relationships, and impact. As part of this expansion, we will be increasing our service delivery staff and forging new partnerships in other provinces, solidifying our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the workforce.” - Alona Puehse, CEO of Open Door Group.
The expansion of CAN WiN heralds a new era of inclusive employment across Canada. Open Door Group is proud to be leading this transformative journey, breaking barriers, and revolutionizing the way businesses approach diversity in the workplace. Together, let us build a future where every individual can thrive and contribute.”