“Promoting meaningful integration of immigrants through diversity in employment”
Immigrant Employment Week 2014 was a big success. Thank you to all partners, organizations, community members and participants who contributed to a series of informative, inspiring, interesting and fun activities in the course of the week.
IEW 2014 was a week full of activities showcasing and celebrating the skills, talent, education and experience newcomers possess. In Toronto, 20% of the workforce is made up of immigrants. Statistics Canada predicts that by 2031, 80% of Canada’s population growth will come from immigration. Research, however, has shown that recent immigrants have higher levels of education but their earnings have remained lower in comparison to those who were born in Canada. Underutilization of immigrant skills has profound implications in terms of labor market adjustment and the socio-economic integration of immigrants and ethnic minorities.
In the Toronto region, skilled immigrants can help employers tap into growing ethnic markets and establish innovative ways of doing business. Creating opportunities for both the employers and employees to start a dialogue on the skills and experience that immigrants possess and finding a way to harness them to expand their business creates a win-win situation for all.
IEW aimed to address this by raising awareness, supporting connections and contributing to bridging some of the gaps that exist between newcomers and access to meaningful employment.
The week-long event launched with an Opening Celebration on Monday, April 28, at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, Instructional Centre Building Atrium. After an inspiring keynote address by Nazish Asmin a panel of experts representing various sectors discussed “Building Businesses, Hiring Immigrants – Welcoming an Under-tapped Employment Resource“. An interactive opportunity to network and get to know each other rounded out the celebration.
Over 20 different events, information sessions and activities took place across Scarborough and in central Toronto over the course of the week, bringing together immigrants, organizations, businesses and community members in exploring the topic of successful inclusion of immigrant talent in the Canadian labour market.
IEW 2014 closed with a Wrap up Celebration and Immigrant Arts Exhibition on Friday, May 2nd, at Centennial College – Progress Campus, celebrating and promoting the talents and skills of newcomers. The event featured guest speakers, entertainment and a display of beautiful artwork created by immigrants.
For an overview of all the exciting events that took place during Immigrant Employment Week 2014, check out the Immigrant Employment Week Event Calendar 2014.