{"id":5765,"date":"2022-05-19T08:09:19","date_gmt":"2022-05-19T12:09:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.innovators.org\/?p=5765"},"modified":"2022-05-19T08:09:19","modified_gmt":"2022-05-19T12:09:19","slug":"blog-hiring-refugees-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.innovators.org\/stage\/blog\/hiring-refugees-in-canada","title":{"rendered":"Future-proof Your Company by Tapping into the Immigrant Talent Pool"},"content":{"rendered":"

Canada is experiencing a drastic shortage of workers. According to Statistics Canada<\/span><\/a>, as of February 2022, over 826,000 jobs were unfilled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This article looks at reasons behind the current labour shortage, challenges for jobseekers and employers, and leads for employers to tap into a valuable pool of talented job seekers in Canada.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s behind the current shortage of workers?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Several factors have combined to create the labour crisis. Baby Boomers across North America have made it into their 60s and 70s and many have decided that it\u2019s time to retire.\u00a0 <\/span>While the \u201cGreat Resignation\u201d trend has not been seen as much<\/span><\/a> in Canada as in the USA, it may still be looming as 5 million workers remain eligible to retire in the next five years.<\/p>\n

The labour shortage trend in Canada is being dubbed more of a \u201cGreat Prioritization<\/span><\/a>\u201d, according to Ontario\u2019s Human Resources Professionals Association.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The pandemic lockdowns took a toll on workers. Workplaces closed and laid off workers or sent them home to work remotely. Some workers\u2014especially in the service sector\u2014had time to reflect and realized they wanted a change (higher pay, more job security and benefits, and greater flexibility and work-life balance). \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many Canadian-born workers under 45 are well educated, creative quick thinkers, technologically literate problem-solvers who are selective about the kind of work that suits them.\u00a0 <\/span>Twenty-two percent of the workforce have a Bachelors degree but only 15% of jobs require a degree. Lower skill jobs may not be sufficiently stimulating (or provide adequate remuneration) for university-educated workers. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Focusing more on their well-being, health, family, and interests, these workers reflected on who they would work for, how, and why. They will examine a company\u2019s employee value proposition<\/span><\/a> before applying for a job.<\/p>\n

The pandemic also saw companies move online, opening up positions in the information technology sector. Some unemployed workers upskilled and found work more aligned with their values, interests and needs. Others set up their own businesses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Opportunity for Employers<\/b><\/h3>\n

Did you know that immigrants and newcomers currently make up\u00a0one-quarter of Canada\u2019<\/span>s labour force<\/a>?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many are fluent in English or French (and other languages). They\u2019re resourceful, well educated, and have strong technical skills. Governments and businesses (e.g. Home Depot and Starbucks) are tapping into this labour pool.\u00a0 <\/span>Are you?<\/p>\n

Challenges to Overcome<\/b><\/h3>\n

Mohamad Fakih<\/a>, CEO of Paramount Fine Foods and one of Canada\u2019s great entrepreneurs, has hired hundreds of refugees<\/a>. According to him, \u201cOne of the largest barriers that new Canadians face is getting ready for the job market and finding an employer who\u2019s willing to give them a chance.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Accessing work in Canada is complicated but the federal government is making it easier by developing new measures<\/span><\/a> to address the labour shortage, setting up a \u201cWelcoming Economy for Refugees<\/span><\/a>\u201d website with valuable resources for employers, and creating the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel<\/span><\/a>. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Foreign jobseekers need to pass language tests, get a work permit and a social insurance number, prepare a resume in English or French, and\u2014in some fields\u2014provide proof that they passed certification exams.<\/p>\n

To accelerate the hiring process, immigration applicants can attend job search workshops before they arrive.\u00a0 <\/span>However, this pre-arrival preparation does not apply to refugees, so employers may need to reach out to them rather than expecting them to apply through established channels. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Newcomers also need housing; a health card; information about resources in the community; skills training; safety training; and supports for family members (schools, daycare, language training, and counselling). \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many also need a consistent work schedule to balance work and family responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Certainly challenges exist, but they can be overcome. Fortunately, there are services available to help you navigate your way through.<\/p>\n

Build Connections to Find Immigrant\/Newcomer Jobseekers<\/b><\/h3>\n

Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for employment services and job skills training.\u00a0 <\/span>Employers should familiarize themselves with the service providers and training subsidies available in their province.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In Ontario, for example, Employment Ontario<\/span><\/a> has a \u2018Support for Employers<\/span>\u2019<\/span><\/a><\/span> tab on their website that can help employers connect with local Employment and Training Service (ETS) providers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Settlement organizations and immigrant associations across Canada also help newcomers navigate the challenges in getting hired. A few of the organizations and resources are:<\/p>\n