Key issues
1
Skills
There is a disconnection between understanding labour market trends and having the necessary complementary skills to access employment. Newcomers face many barriers to employment, including language and technology access.
2
Credentials/Experience
Many newcomers are unable to find employment that makes use of their professional training and experience. This can be caused by many factors, such as issues with accreditation, a lack of Canadian recognition of certifications and professional licences obtained outside Canada, or a lack of Canadian experience.
3
Discrimination
Many newcomers report unfair treatment based on their race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, or immigration status in Canada. This occurs across the employment process, from application to professional advancement.
4
Opportunities
Jobs are increasingly precarious, offering contract, part-time, or temporary work for low pay. Entry level options are limited, especially for those without Canadian credentials or experience. Newcomer service agencies want to do more networking with employers, but struggle to make connections.
DID YOU KNOW?
Immigration accounts for almost 100% of Canada’s labour force growth
Key Action Areas
Service Coordination
Integrate service provision to facilitate support for job-seekers at every point in their employment journey. We prioritize streamlining various services such as pre-arrival to Canada services, mentorship, networking, childcare, and interpretation.
Research and Advocacy
Identify access issues in employment pathways, and explore alternative options for newcomers to obtain meaningful and sustainable employment.
Knowledge Sharing
Build internal capacity to discover and share newcomer employment-related information and resources across networks.
Capacity Building
Work in collaboration across agencies to design and deliver creative pathways to employment opportunities.
Systems Change
Inform policy and systems change by facilitating conversations and relationships which increase equity for newcomers facing multiple barriers to employment.
Our Projects
Employment and Labour Market Work Group Meeting Minutes
Lunch & Learn: Pathways to IT
Expert Panel on Supporting Refugee Claimants: Gaps and Resources for Equitable Access to Employment
Contact Us
Farheen Meraj – Employment & Labour Market Coordinator
farheen@torontonorthlip.ca
416-649-1647