CCRW Awards Recognizes Inclusion in the Workplace
The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) rewarded business partners in Moose Jaw who have supported the inclusion of those with disabilities in the workplace.
They were awarded at the CCRW’s annual Business Awards Luncheon October 24th. CCRW says they are happy to recognize these individuals that go above and beyond in support of inclusion, with the goal of meeting job needs for those with disabilities.
The recipients this year are: Employer of the Year: Mark Hanson of Ultimate Auto Detailing and Accessories Most Supportive Employer: Mark Swartz of Gibson International Carriers Inc. Partnering Agency of the Year: Peggy Terry of Moose Jaw Labour Market Services Job Seekers of the Year: Mitaya Neufeld of Gibson International Carriers Inc. and Jade Webb of Main Street Strength and Conditioning
Employer of the year, Mark Hanson has been a champion employer with the CCRW and says the partnership has been a great move for his company. “It’s an overwhelming experience hiring new workers. For us, it’s personal because employees become families. When Carmen [employee/CCRW client] was brought into our work family, the CCRW was excellent in providing on-the-ground resources for both Carmen and myself. They offered checks to the workplace to ensure the environment was conducive to good work habits. Carmen is not only meeting but exceeding our expectations. We are so honoured to play a small role in helping Carmen find her feet again through this partnership.”
Carmen Redman, a former client of CCRW, expressed similar sentiments about Hanson and his team. She says this job has given her the independence she needs to help support her family. “I was looking for work before I found CCRW. I spoke to them and they found a job with Mark at Ultimate Auto Detailing. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. Mark and the team are so friendly and understanding and I am very happy to work with them. I thank Mark and the CCRW for the opportunity.” Maureen Haan, President & CEO of CCRW, says she is proud of the work with community partners and commends them for making inclusiveness a priority. She says CCRW continues its work to find the best fit for their clients. “In our first full year of Partners Program, we continue to do what we do best to support people with disabilities in employment. We continue the 40 year tradition of being the experts in employment across Canada. We do this with the business case of acquiring persons with disabilities and through demonstrations to employers on how to hire and retain people with disabilities. We know that persons with disabilities will enrich employers’ work spaces, diversity regulations and needs, as well as their bottom lines. We work closely with our community partners to identify the right fit for the Partners Program. The right fit is critical; we lean on our community partners for both the referral and the outside support CCRW doesn’t offer, which includes things like housing and support for daycare needs.”
She outlined some other things that CCRW is involved with that help in meeting their goal. “CCRW is very excited to work with the Ministry of Sport in Persons with Disabilities in Canada on the new legislation for persons with disabilities. We are working hard to ensure employers are supported in legislation, such as funding for accommodations and ongoing staff support to ensure success. We’re also working with people in research using data from our programs. With this data, we’ll be able to tell stories of employment with persons with disabilities from the employer’s perspective, how it works and the ability to duplicate that information to influence policy on a national level. We’re also involved with the shifting of policy for the Canadian Pension Plan Disability.” Mayor Fraser Tolmie commended the employer partners of CCRW. “A choice has been made by unique employers like you to partner with the CCRW to recognize everyone’s self-worth based on who we are and to include others who may have been excluded. I want to thank you on behalf of the City for the great work that you are doing.”