Employers Recognized for Promoting Employment of Persons with Disabilities
Nine employers have been presented with the Lieutenant Governor's Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Awards. The award was established to acknowledge and honour employers who have promoted employment, independence and service to persons with disabilities.
The awards were presented today, Nov. 30, at the 4th Annual Symposium on Inclusive Education and Employment in Halifax.
Nominations were accepted from regions, with one provincial award for overall outstanding achievement. The provincial award was presented to Sydney-based caterer Flavors Catering and Fine Foods, which has hired six people with disabilities over the past three years. The company also won a regional award.
"The effect on our work environment has been overwhelmingly positive," said manager, Scott Morrison. "They are dedicated, motivated, hardworking and respectful, and model the core values of our company each and everyday, and they do it with pride."
Eight other regional winners were named:
- Tantramar Community Radio CFTA 107.9 FM, Amherst
- Maritime Inn, Port Hawkesbury
- Giant Tiger, Halifax
- Giant Tiger, Bridgewater
- Goal Line, Halifax
- Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, Kentville
- Friends of Keji Cooperating Association, Species at Risk from the Digby area
- Yarmouth Life Skills for Disabled Adults, Yarmouth
"This segment of the labour force continues more and more to present themselves as job-ready and qualified," said Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis.
"This award celebrates the significant strides made in this area, in terms of employer awareness of the valuable resources available in persons with disabilities in meeting their labour needs, and in terms of each employee's readiness and enthusiasm to become an integral part of the working community and more meaningful contributors to society."
The awards coincide with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Dec. 3, which was established to achieve full and effective participation in society and was developed by the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982.
The awards are administered by the Collaborative Partnership Network. The organization works to create and maintain lasting employment partnerships between persons with disabilities and Nova Scotia employers.