The year-long program called “Skills without Borders” is designed to raise awareness about labour needs in North Peel and the ability of skilled immigrants to meet those needs.

“North Peel attracts a large and growing pool of skilled immigrants every year with a strong potential of contributing substantially to our region’s economy. While not all immigrants require assistance upon arrival to Canada, many are encountering challenges related to unemployment or underemployment – which over time leads to skills atrophy and the inability to be marketable, resulting in permanent loss to the economy,” says BBOT General Manager Sheldon Leiba.

The Brampton Board of Trade is leading the project, with significant funding assistance from Human Resources Social Development Canada. Other partners include The Caledon Chamber of Commerce, Brampton’s Economic Development Department, The Region of Peel, United Way of Peel, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council; (TRIEC), ACCES, Human Resources Professional Association of Peel and the Brampton Neighbourhood Resource Centre.

Leiba says that while the Federal and Ontario governments have undertaken a number of initiatives with respect to settlement and integration services for skilled immigrants and programs targeted to employers, “there is little awareness about these programs, services and resources amongst the business community. Employers have not been engaged to any large extent in helping to address issues related to the effective employment integration of skilled immigrants.”

“Skills without Borders” will survey North Peel employers about labour needs and conduct focus groups to help better understand some of the barriers to hiring skilled immigrants. The information will be gathered in two reports that will provide a good resource for settlement agencies and other program providers.

“We need to consult businesses across a broad cross-section in North Peel to better understand these issues.”
The project will also prepare a Resource Guide to help employers find the resources they need. “We hope to educate the business community and employers in North Peel about the benefits of hiring immigrants, and increase their awareness about and ultimately their demand for the many existing programs and services available to facilitate the employment integration of skilled immigrants, whether its job placement services, co-op and internship programs, wage subsidies, or mentorships.

Leiba says this works both ways. “Immigrant settlement organizations and service providers also need to better understand labour demands, needs and challenges of employers in North Peel.”

When completed, the research and resource information will be presented to employers through events and activities; marketing advertisements; a resource guide and online resources. The Brampton Board of Trade and its partners will continue to promote “Skills without Borders” to ensure it reaches as many employers as possible in North Peel.

“We believe this is a win, win for our community. North Peel’s economy will be greatly enhanced through this initiative that will better link skilled immigrants in North Peel with employment opportunities. Employers will benefit from an increasingly skilled and diverse labour force that meets short and long-term labour needs,” Leiba says. “With Brampton becoming increasingly diverse and attracting more and more immigrants, our business community has a very strong vested interest in this issue.”

Visit www.skillswithoutborders.com