March 28th, 2025
Whalesbone, a well-known collection of four restaurants, a retail shop, and a catering company in Ottawa, is making waves not only for its exceptional food and hospitality but also for its commitment to inclusive hiring practices. With a workforce of around 100 employees, the small business has become a model for how inclusive employment can thrive within the food and hospitality sector in Ottawa.
Since September 2022, Whalesbone has partnered with Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) and local employment agencies, LiveWorkPlay and CVE. With the support of these agencies and RWA, Whalesbone has hired several people with intellectual disabilities or on the autism spectrum, and they continue to be important members of the Whalesbone team. Salar who has been working at Whalesbone Elgin street location since September 2022 is captured here.
Michael Radford, the Executive Head Chef at Whalesbone, has been a driving force behind the company’s inclusive hiring work. Known for his leadership both in the kitchen and beyond, Radford has not only maintained Whalesbone’s reputation as a culinary leader in Ottawa, he has also championed the cause of hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Kelsey Ross, Ottawa’s Labour Market Facilitator for RWA, highlights Radford’s forward-thinking approach: “Michael sees potential in all candidates. He considers how each applicant might fit across various roles at Whalesbone—from dishwashers to prep cooks, hosts to managers. He understands that hiring for the right fit leads to the best outcomes.”
Whalesbone’s inclusive hiring practices extends beyond just filling positions. Whalesbone works closely with agencies to ensure that each new employee has the support and resources they need to succeed. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in creating an inclusive, diverse workplace where all employees can thrive. As Laura Lobay, Workplace Inclusion Specialist at LiveWorkPlay, points out, “Michael was really great to work with when bringing people on board and was very supportive of setting them up to be successful”.
The ongoing partnership between Whalesbone, RWA, and its Ottawa agency partners is a testament to the benefits of inclusive hiring for both businesses and employees. By making inclusive hiring part of its regular hiring process, Whalesbone’s efforts not only strengthen its workforce but also contribute to fostering diversity within Ottawa’s vibrant food scene.