Janice Larocque is a proud Métis woman who comes from a small community in Manitoba. Janice has worked in the recruitment, employment, and training industry for over 30 years and is no stranger to barriers Indigenous people face accessing employment and procurement opportunities. Her journey began in the 1990’s as the Manager of an Indigenous Career and Employment Centre for seven plus years. In 1998, Janice opened one of the first Indigenous staffing agencies in Canada called Spirit Staffing, now know as Spirit Omega. In 2000, Janice opened another company called Fast Labour Solutions (FLS) to provide industrial staffing and certified safety training services.
The companies have been very successful and are recognized in the business community as “Leaders in Workforce Diversity Solutions!” for their commitment and contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Some of the awards include; RBC Women of Influence – TELUS Trailblazer, CANDO – Economic Developer of the Year, Aboriginal Private Sector Business, Calgary Chamber of Commerce – Aboriginal Entrepreneurship, CAMSC- Small Business of the Year, Alberta Chamber of Commerce – Aboriginal Women Entrepreneur, The Shell Canada Vendor of Excellence Award, Global TV – Women of Distinction (Business), Calgary Chamber of Commerce – Small Business Owner, The Minister’s Award for Excellence, Métis Nation of Alberta – A Skilled Métis Labour Force, Esquao Award – Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women (Business)
Janice Larocque’s exceptional leadership and determination has established Spirit Omega Inc. and Fast Labour Solutions (FLS) into symbols of empowerment and inclusivity in the Canadian business world and have had a profound impact on the lives of numerous Indigenous individuals and on the perception of Indigenous employment. Janice serves as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers, demonstrating the powerful connection between business success and social impact. Among the contributions Janice has made, she also supports through donations and/or volunteering, many different areas such as Indigenous events, the Legion, Youth sponsorships, Global Fest, Employment Summer, attending golf tournaments. Everyone that has crossed paths with her whether professionally or personally, has created relationships in building a better mindset in growth to enhance lowering barriers and adding skillset for success.
Janice Larocque: Empowering Canadian Talent Through Spirit Omega Inc.
The Canadian Indigenous community has been one of the most important contributors to the economy in terms of labour and talent. This is proven by one Indigenous woman entrepreneur whose efforts to establish a successful and inclusive recruitment agency catering to myriad industries while helping Canadian talent can not be overstated. Janice Larocque, a proud Métis womanpreneur, is also the Founder of Spirit Omega Inc., a trailblazing staffing agency dedicated to connecting Canadian talent with opportunities in the corporate sector. This award-winning agency has single-handedly supported freshers and seasoned professionals in achieving their career goals. What’s more, Janice has worked extensively over the course of 20+ years to effortlessly break down the barriers to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Witnessing her stellar performance both as a business leader and as the head of an organization, the Indigenous SME Magazine has decided to recognize her as the Business Woman of the Month for her relentless efforts to make our corporate ecosystem more welcoming and competitive.
Bridging the Gap Between Employment Opportunities and Employees
Janice’s journey began as manager of an Indigenous Career and Employment Centre and ended with the foundation of Spirit Staffing. However, after experiencing firsthand the challenges Indigenous individuals face while seeking employment opportunities, Janice was inspired to take charge. She founded Spirit Staffing in 1998 to bridge the gap between Indigenous talent and the corporate world in Calgary. She used her experience, knowledge and skills to help Indigenous candidates access equal employment opportunities through personalized assistance and resources. Since then, Janice has never looked back, as her efforts have empowered Indigenous talent and given them a chance to grow in their careers via Spirit Staffing.
Building Relationships and Expanding Operations
As time passed, Janice’s dedication started showing signs of fruition in the form of acclaim and accolades, garnering praise from all factions of the business community. Today, Spirit Omega Inc., formerly known as Spirit Staffing & Consulting, has risen in its influence by forging strategic partnerships with leading organizations to expand its reach across Canada. Through these partnerships and great performance, Spirit Omega has not only earned market credibility but also numerous awards like Telus Trailblazer from RBC, Economic Developer of the Year from Cando, and Small Business of the Year from Camsc. These achievements have fueled the company’s growth by facilitating an international presence with an aim to further amplify its mission on a global scale.
Strengthening Local Communities and Talent Through Training Programs
Today, Spirit Omega plays a significant role in shaping Canada’s future talent and workforce pool through its consolidated efforts in uplifting and educating the local communities. This is in addition to the company’s existing array of services; Spirit Omega also has diversified services to cater to the Industrial Labour and Safety Training Division, Fast Labour Solutions. This division was established in 2000 to provide comprehensive training and certification programs for non-skilled and skilled individuals, equipping them with the necessary skills and qualifications. Through investment in training and development, Janice isn’t just eliminating skills shortages but also empowering young talent to unlock their full potential to drive the Canadian economy. Spirit Omega continues on the path of holistic employee empowerment, driving growth, inclusivity, talent and opportunity all in one go!
Janice Larocque’s exceptional leadership has duly turned Spirit Omega Inc. into a symbol of empowerment and inclusivity in the Canadian business world. Her incessant advocacy and unwavering dedication have had a profound impact on the lives of numerous Indigenous individuals and on the perception of Indigenous employment. Moreover, her consistent efforts to keep diversity and equity within the mainstream business ecosystem are truly inspiring. She definitely serves as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and changemakers, demonstrating the powerful connection between business success and social impact.
Check out Janice’s training programs and other initiatives by visiting her official site here.
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