39% of Canadian Small Businesses Hire People with Disabilities

Author: BMO Financial Group
Published: 2014/10/11 - Updated: 2020/12/11
Topic: Disability Employment - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: BMO Financial Group study found four in 10 (39 percent) of Canadian small business owners indicated they had hired someone with a disability. In Canada, Persons with Disabilities are defined as those who have a long-term or recurring physical, mental, sensory, psychiatric or learning disability.

Introduction

39% of small business owners have hired an employee with a disability, up from 29 percent in 2013, and almost 90% of small business owners agree that workplace diversity is an asset but just 36% report having a diversity program in place.

Main Item

BMO Financial Group just released a study which found that four in 10 (39 percent) Canadian small business owners indicated they had hired someone with a disability. This represents a significant increase - up 34 percent - from 2013, when only three in 10 (29 percent) small business owners had hired someone with a disability.

In Canada, Persons with Disabilities are defined as those who have a long-term or recurring physical, mental, sensory, psychiatric or learning disability.

"It's really encouraging to see that more and more small businesses not only understand the business case for hiring people with disabilities, but are taking measurable action by tapping into this very skilled, capable and motivated talent pool," said Sonya Kunkel, Chief Diversity Officer & Vice President Talent Strategies, BMO Financial Group.

"Research shows that more diverse and inclusive workplaces drive stronger performance, create more successful and engaged employees and build competitive advantage. Collectively, we're making good progress in building understanding and awareness. But businesses of all sizes in Canada still have work to do to translate this knowledge into programs that will effectively reduce the disproportionate number of people with disabilities in Canada who remain unemployed."

According to the study, the majority (86 percent) of small business owners agree that workplace diversity is an asset. However, only 36 percent say their company has a formal program in place to promote diversity and inclusion.

Ms. Kunkel added;

"Having a program in place sets the stage - and a standard - for everyone to talk openly about their differences. It can also help reduce stigma, break down barriers and ensure employees have the support they need to perform at their best."

Several years ago, BMO introduced Count Me In - a program that encourages employees with disabilities, including those in executive leadership positions, to self-identify with their colleagues; to talk about their experiences, challenges and successes; and to stand as role models for others within the organization.

Since the creation of Count Me In, the number of employees with disabilities in the Greater Toronto Division alone has doubled. By raising awareness and opening the conversation, this national campaign has helped dispel the myths that have perpetuated misconceptions and bias surrounding Persons with Disabilities. These conversations and awareness foster a more inclusive and accessible workplace for employees with disabilities and all employees.

• Results cited above come from a Pollara telephone survey of 502 Canadian business owners, conducted between August 11th and 28th, 2014.
• 2013 results come from a Pollara telephone survey of 301 Canadian business owners, conducted between August 22nd and September 10th, 2013.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by BMO Financial Group and published on 2014/10/11, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, BMO Financial Group can be contacted at bmo.com NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.