Tools to integrate skilled immigrants provided to HR professionals
New Canadians are one solution to the looming labour shortage but many employers don’t know how to make the most of this valuable, and well-educated, population.
The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) recently launched Bringing Employers Onboard, a new program to help small and medium-sized businesses recruit, retain and promote skilled immigrants within their organizations.
The work will be an extension of the website hireimmigrants.ca that profiles organizations successfully integrating immigrants into their workforces and shares their practices.
While organizations are open to hiring skilled immigrants, HR professionals and hiring managers are looking for guidance to implement such strategies.
The new program will use hireimmigrants.ca as a platform to help these professionals through online learning opportunities including a discussion board and e-tips, and will reach out to communities around the GTA through a series of teleconferences and breakfast seminars.
"Immigrants have the skills and talents that we need to tap into to stay ahead in this global economy,” said Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle. “Our government is committed to helping internationally trained professionals get work in their field sooner. It takes the collective effort of government, settlement agencies and the private sector to help our newcomers succeed. This project is a great example of that."
Corporate leaders from RBC Financial Group and the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPAO) presented at the launch, emphasizing why bringing immigrants into the labour market in a more efficient and effective manner is an issue worthy of everyone's participation. The HRPAO has also formed the Task Force to Recognize Foreign Credentials.
"We must do more than open the door to immigrants - we must make Canada the destination of choice for talented people. And most importantly, we must create a climate where they can successfully integrate and realize their full potential," said Zabeen Hirji, senior vice-president, human resources, RBC Financial Group.
The Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) recently launched Bringing Employers Onboard, a new program to help small and medium-sized businesses recruit, retain and promote skilled immigrants within their organizations.
The work will be an extension of the website hireimmigrants.ca that profiles organizations successfully integrating immigrants into their workforces and shares their practices.
While organizations are open to hiring skilled immigrants, HR professionals and hiring managers are looking for guidance to implement such strategies.
The new program will use hireimmigrants.ca as a platform to help these professionals through online learning opportunities including a discussion board and e-tips, and will reach out to communities around the GTA through a series of teleconferences and breakfast seminars.
"Immigrants have the skills and talents that we need to tap into to stay ahead in this global economy,” said Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle. “Our government is committed to helping internationally trained professionals get work in their field sooner. It takes the collective effort of government, settlement agencies and the private sector to help our newcomers succeed. This project is a great example of that."
Corporate leaders from RBC Financial Group and the Human Resources Professionals Association of Ontario (HRPAO) presented at the launch, emphasizing why bringing immigrants into the labour market in a more efficient and effective manner is an issue worthy of everyone's participation. The HRPAO has also formed the Task Force to Recognize Foreign Credentials.
"We must do more than open the door to immigrants - we must make Canada the destination of choice for talented people. And most importantly, we must create a climate where they can successfully integrate and realize their full potential," said Zabeen Hirji, senior vice-president, human resources, RBC Financial Group.
