Viable Calgary

Viable Calgary is a new workforce initiative focused on increasing the engagement of employees with ALL TYPES of disabilities in the Calgary workforce. Viable Calgary is about maximizing workforce potential by rethinking human potential. We exist to link industry with the information, tools and resources required to attract and retain employees with disabilities.  Viable Calgary is funded by Alberta Employment and Immigration, and our complimentary services are available to all interested Calgary employers.

Canada’s Labour Force is changing rapidly.
•    The population of 15-24 year olds (our future workforce) in Alberta is expected to DECLINE 0.10%. by the year 2017.
Source:  Alberta’s Occupational Supply Outlook Model 2007 – 2017
•    The population of those over the age of 45 shows the most significant increase by 2017 at approximately 8%.
Source:  Alberta’s Occupational Supply Outlook Model 2007 – 2017
•    Net migration is expected to DECLINE from 13,500 in 2009 to 11,000 by 2013.
Source:  Vol. 2 of CED Calgary and Region Socio Economic Outlook

The Retail Industry in general is going to create 7000 more new jobs by 2012 which is 10.2% of total employment (Alberta Modified Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) Outlook 2008 - 2012, Industry Employment Outlook). According to Alberta’s Occupational Demand and Supply Outlook, 2007-2017, other sales and related occupations are going to have 1.02% supply shortage in 2017.  Though we are in the midst of a recession, due to the aging population preparing to leave the workforce, declining population of those aged 15-24, and decline in net migration, this predicted labour shortage will be unavoidable.  Viable Calgary assists organizations from all industries to develop strategies to prepare for the imminent skill and labour shortages in the very near future.

Many organizations already have diversity strategies in place, and those who wish to stay competitive are increasingly including persons with disabilities in their employee profiles. Statistics show that as the population ages, the incidence of disability among us increases1.   With more and more people experiencing disabilities, employers need to find additional ways to incorporate employees with disabilities into their businesses.  It is essential we identify strategies to attract this underutilized workforce to our organizations, properly retain our existing employees, and keep a competitive edge in this changing market.  A diverse workforce ensures that an organization is looking at all their options.  With proper tools and resources in place, the hiring focus can be about hiring the right person for the job based on ability, and things like disability need not be a concern for progressive organizations.

We should also consider our changing consumer base.  If our labour force is changing, then naturally, so are our customers.  Again, in order to keep a competitive edge, we must begin to make adaptations to include things like accessible services and products for people with disabilities.  This is a great way to ensure that your workforce reflects your consumer base.

Viable Calgary was created to help employers access information and learn how to integrate employees with disabilities into their companies. We offer a broad range of services designed to support employers.

•    Workforce Consultants: provide individualized readiness surveys, integration plans, and linkages to Calgary-based service providers and resources.

•    Web Site: links employers to Calgary-based resources, service providers and job placement agencies. Includes up-to-date Calgary news and events that help businesses network with and learn from other successful companies, service providers and people with disabilities.

•    Events: provide opportunities for employers to network and learn not only from each other but also from other successful industry experts in diversity and disability employment. Events include effective strategy forums and round tables, best practices sessions in hiring people with disabilities, and local, national and internationally recognized speakers and experts.

•    Annual Career and Information Fairs: promote the employment of people with disabilities in collaboration with existing job fairs. These events will allow employers to actively recruit for employees with disabilities in a barrier free environment, network with accommodation and assistive technology vendors and engage service provider exhibitors.

•    Viable Calgary will engage in a Broad-Based Public Awareness Campaign to advocate a sustainable change in the human resource practices of Calgary employers. Our broad based advertising campaign will shift the focus to employees’ abilities versus disabilities, and create recognition around the tangible financial benefits of meaningful engagement of persons with disabilities in the workforce.


For more Information and to find out what Viable Calgary can do for your organization, Please Contact:

Larisa Yakovleva
Workforce Consultant
T 403 273 2822
C 403 827 3452
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Visit our website
www.viablecalgary.ca