Inclusivity - Reading Materials - Chapter 05: Newcomers to Canada

Chapter 01: Women and Gender and Chapter 02: Gender-Based Harassment and Violence are prerequisites to the review and implementation of the content of this unit.

Targeted Recruitment Events (TREs) are hosted by the World Skills Employment Center at no cost to the employer, optimizing recruitment budget and hiring efficiency. These events enable employers to meet numerous talented newcomers in one place, tailored to the needs of the employer or sector.

Employers benefit by meeting large groups of qualified job seekers in one setting, gaining awareness of the diverse talent pool, increasing applications for active jobs, and meeting a targeted audience. Newcomer job seekers learn about different employers, increase visibility, create targeted applications, and get job search questions answered.

The Coaching and Networking Events program by the World Skills Employment Center in Ontario supports newcomers by allowing professionals to share knowledge and expertise and coaching them for economic integration into the Canadian labour market. Coaches give back to the community, develop mentoring skills, enhance cross-cultural awareness, and promote their organizations.

For newcomer job seekers, this program provides opportunities to learn employment strategies, gain insights from HR professionals, grow their network, and get answers from subject matter experts.

Manitoba Labour and Immigration (MIIP) launched a project in settlement services to provide culturally responsive therapy to immigrant and refugee individuals and families. This therapy focuses on war-related trauma and migration impact. The program offers flexible and understanding services, including sessions at clients’ preferred locations.

WILL Employment Solutions offers unique training and skills to immigrant clients, addressing barriers to integrating into the Canadian labour market. Workshops cover Canada’s workplace culture, labour market information, job search techniques, and tools for successful career development.

Inc. in Nova Scotia collaborates with the Immigrants Association, offering mentorship to a scholarship program specifically for newcomers. The program ties into recruitment pipelines, academic organizations, and co-op work programs, supporting international students and recent immigrants.

Community Engagement

• Provide new hires with resources regarding local community agencies.
• Ensure representation of new community members on diversity and inclusion committees.
• Engage with local community resource groups.
• Build connections with immigrant-serving and employment-servicing organizations.
• Provide language instruction courses for newcomers.
• Make newcomers aware of available counselling.
• Provide resources and programs for immigrant youth.

Hiring and Retention

• Avoid hiring based on perceived culture fit; encourage diverse hiring committees.
• Rely on facts, skills, and experience rather than social connections.
• Recognize different soft skills based on cultural backgrounds.
• Have a process for recognizing foreign credentials.
• Provide access to internal mentorship programs.
• Remove the requirement for Canadian work experience unless it’s a regulatory requirement.
• Make career opportunities and application processes transparent.
• Provide a list of workplace-specific acronyms.
• Provide paid internships or work opportunities.

• Mental Health Counselling
• Post a Job on the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council’s Website
• Connect Newcomers with Local Social Mentors
• Check Best Practices for Employers and Immigrants
• Find Free Newcomer Services

• Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• Connect with Immigrant Talent Pre-arrival
• Trauma-Informed Care Training
• Trauma, PTSD, Trauma-Focused Approaches, and Trauma-Informed Care Training
• Immigrant and Refugee Mental Health Project

January 7
Christmas (Orthodox Christian)

January 24
World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture

February
Black History Month

February 1
World Hijab Day

February 1-7
World Interfaith Harmony Week

February 4
International Day of Human Fraternity

February 20
World Day of Social Justice

February 21
International Mother Language Day

March 1
Zero Discrimination Day

March 15
International Day to Combat Islamophobia

March 21
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21 – 28
Week of Solidarity with the People Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination

March 25
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

April 30
Journey to Freedom Day

June 20
World Refugee Day

June 27
Multiculturalism Day

December 10
International Human Rights Day

December 18
International Migrants Day