May 5th 2025
When Bimbo Canada’s Moncton Distribution Centre (DC) partnered with Ready, Willing, and Able (RWA) in early 2024, they took a bold step toward building a more inclusive workforce, one that would come to benefit not only new employees, but the entire team.
The connection came through Teresa Schooning, Bimbo’s Senior Director of Sustainabilit, who introduced the idea of piloting an inclusive hiring program. From there, the team connected with RWA staff, including Debbie, to begin their journey. The result: two new team members, Maxime and Brent, each bringing their own strengths and unique challenges to the shipping team.
Doug Rose, a leader at the Moncton DC, shared how the process unfolded. “Both Maxime and Brent are still with us and doing well,” he said. “They’re fully integrated into the shipping operations, doing the same tasks as everyone else from unloading trailers to order assembly to managing conveyance.”
Maxime, who is on the autism spectrum, and Brent, who has a hearing impairment, each required thoughtful onboarding and support. This included adapting training approaches and providing education to supervisors and staff. “We took an approach where we wanted to educate everybody,” Doug explained. “We engaged our supervisory team, involved union leadership, and invited RWA to share information with all associates. It was important to create a welcoming and informed environment from the start.”
One notable outcome has been the sense of community fostered by the initiative. Maxime, originally from a smaller town in New Brunswick, has found both employment and a sense of belonging. He’s built friendships with coworkers, taken part in Bimbo’s Good Neighbour Program, and is now engaging in new social opportunities in Moncton. “He’s going to a graduation tonight,” Doug shared proudly. “It’s opened up doors for him.”
Of course, implementing inclusive hiring practices hasn’t come without challenges. Adjusting to new communication methods, updating training programs, and managing different learning styles were all part of the learning curve. But for Doug, the benefits far outweigh the hurdles. “It’s about being open to change. At the end of the day, it’s exciting and fulfilling to see the growth of our team and what Maxime and Brent have brought to the floor.”
When asked what he’d say to other employers considering inclusive hiring, Doug didn’t hesitate: “It’s a great option. You need to be open to doing things differently, to building strong and diverse teams. At the end of the day, it ensures we’re staffed properly and we’re better for it.”
As Bimbo Canada continues this journey, the story of Maxime and Brent stands as a powerful reminder that when companies invest in inclusion, everyone wins.