OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ait–As Canada’s bio-economy navigates talent shortages and rapid change, BioTalent Canada has named Chelsea Platzke, Head of People and Strategy at the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) in Saskatoon, SK, the new Chair of its Board of Directors.
Platzke’s appointment signals a forward-looking chapter for BioTalent Canada, which continues to address critical workforce challenges faced by bioscience employers, including talent shortages, economic uncertainty and the need for more inclusive, sustainable talent pipelines.
“Chelsea’s deep understanding of the strategic value of talent will be invaluable as BioTalent Canada strengthens its role as the trusted partner for Canada’s bio-economy employers,” says Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “We also want to thank Reg Joseph, outgoing Board Chair, for his dedicated leadership and vision. His contributions have been instrumental in BioTalent Canada’s success over the past decade, and we are excited for Chelsea to build on that solid foundation.”
As Board Chair, Platzke will help guide BioTalent Canada in delivering workforce solutions that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strengthen partnerships across the sector and ensure Canadian bioscience companies remain competitive globally.
“I am honoured to serve as Chair of BioTalent Canada’s Board of Directors,” said Chelsea Platzke. “This is a pivotal moment for the sector. By focusing on people, BioTalent Canada can continue empowering employers and opening doors for the next generation of talent. I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to ensure talent remains a pillar of the economic strategy for Canada’s bio-economy.”
Under Platzke’s leadership, BioTalent Canada will continue to advance innovative workforce programs and champion inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) as essential elements of building a strong and competitive bioscience sector.
Platzke succeeds outgoing Chair Reg Joseph, CEO of Health Cities, Edmonton. Joseph served as Chair from 2018 to 2025 and will remain on the Board as Industry Director representing BioAlberta.
BioTalent Canada also named as officers: Edward Short as Vice Chair and Charles Grubsztajn as Treasurer for the coming year.
BioTalent Canada is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for 2025-2026:
Members at Large
- Jessica Bowes, Assistant Vice President, Research, Innovation, Knowledge Mobilization, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
- Chris Cavalho, Principal Consultant, Carveira Group Consulting, Victoria, BC
- Bob Golding, Independent Consultant, Golding Solutions, Calgary, AB
- Charles Grubsztajn, Chief Operating Officer, Congruence Therapeutics, Montreal, PQ
- Chelsea Platzke, Head of People & Strategy, Global Institute for Food Security, Saskatoon, SK
- Corinne Prince, Special Advisor, The Association for Canadian Studies & Metropolis Institute, Calgary, AB
- Krista Schofer, Lawyer, Gowling WLG, Calgary, AB
- Eric Tse, Vice President & General Manager, Biogen, Toronto, ON
Industry Director (Nominating Member)
- Alexandra Black, Director, Human Resources, SIIT, Saskatoon, SK (AgWest Bio)
- Wilma Deen, Executive Director, Membership & Strategy Implementation, Innovative Medicines Canada, Ottawa, ON (Innovative Medicines Canada)
- Jason Field, President & CEO, Life Sciences Ontario, Toronto, ON (Life Sciences Ontario)
- Reg Joseph, Chief Executive Officer, Health Cities, Edmonton, AB (BioAlberta)
- Andrea Ladouceur, President & CEO, Bioscience Association Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB (Bioscience Association Manitoba)
- Edward Short, Corporate Vice President, Human Resources, Charles River Laboratories, Montreal, QC (BIOQuébec)
- Dave Smardon, President & CEO, Bioenterprise Canada, Guelph, ON (Bioenterprise Canada)
Rob Henderson is available for comment.
About BioTalent Canada
BioTalent Canada supports the people behind life-changing science. Trusted as the go-to source for labour market intelligence, BioTalent Canada guides bio-economy stakeholders with evidence-based data and industry-driven standards. BioTalent Canada, as a workforce development council, is focused on igniting the industry’s brainpower, bridging the gap between job-ready talent and employers, and ensuring the long-term agility, resiliency, and sustainability of one of Canada’s most vital sectors.
BioTalent Canada has received varied distinctions following a thorough and independent analysis of the organization. By practicing the same industry standards it recommends to partners, the organization has been honoured with the following titles:
- Great Place to Work® since 2019 and one of the Best Workplaces in Healthcare for 2023 by Great Place to Work Canada®
- The Best Leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the 2024 Best Ottawa Business Awards
- 2024 Collaboration Catalyst by Magnet Network
- One of Canada’s Best Places to Work by HRD Canada for 2024
- 5-Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Employer by Canadian HR Reporter since 2023
For more information, visit biotalent.ca.
Contacts
Media:
Eli Duern
Project Manager, Marketing and Communications
BioTalent Canada
613-235-1402 ext. 225
[email protected]
