OUR Vision for A
Welcoming Economy
A future where refugees have equal access to employment, businesses value their diverse talents, and inclusive practices drive innovation, prosperity, and social cohesion in our communities.
Welcoming Economy was established by The Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable, a multi-sectoral network that collaborates with government leaders, community agencies, and employers. Together, they plan and implement practical, employment-focused initiatives to connect refugees with job opportunities across cities in Canada.
Who We Support:
- Canadian employers seeking to hire refugee talent
- Agencies and organizations that work with refugee talent
- Refugees seeking employment through our Refugee Hiring Events
REFUGEE
HIRING EVENTs
What is a Hiring Event?
The Refugee Hiring Event is a powerful model and means of bridging refugee talent with meaningful employment. Compared with traditional job fairs, the Hiring Event model distinguishes itself through four key features: collaboration, employer selection, pre-screening, and a focus on action.
CANADA BENEFITS
FROM REFUGEES.
Evidence shows that Canada’s economy and the communities where refugees settle benefit greatly from their contributions. Refugees bring diverse skills, talents, and experiences, serving as valuable talent for employers and as entrepreneurs who create jobs and opportunities for themselves and others.
Employers Benefit:
Hiring refugees benefits employers by enhancing diversity, improving business outcomes, and addressing workforce needs in key professions and sectors: information technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.
Communities Benefit:
Working alongside community members, sharing common goals and participating in shared economic activities, refugees build social connections, develop friendships and feel a sense of belonging leading to stronger, more cohesive communities.
Refugees Benefit:
Employment provides refugees with a pathway to economic self-sufficiency and integration into Canadian society.
1 Million
Refugees have settled in Canada over the past 30 years.
14.4%
Of refugees in Canada are entrepreneurs, compared to 12.3% of people born in Canada.
51%
Of refugees are employed in high-skilled jobs including doctors, architects, and software engineers.
*Source: UNHCR Report: Refugees in Canada
“My message to other newcomers is do not hurry, just focus on your skills and uniqueness, then follow your dreams. Get the updated skills and boost your knowledge, and learn a new context of working environment, and living in a new country.”
—Mirhussain Walizada // Senior Educational Administrator, East West College of Business and Technology (Calgary, AB)
