When internationally trained newcomers can get Canadian work experience in their field, they are better positioned to be able to find good jobs, join the middle class, and contribute to our growing economy.

“Everyone deserves a fair chance at success. Our country thrives when we all are able to put our skills to work. I am proud of this project that will help highly skilled newcomers get their first work experience here in Canada.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

"Our government is committed to ensuring that no talent is left behind; this investment supports highly skilled newcomers so they can join the Canadian workforce faster.”
– Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre

“We are delighted to be receiving these new funds from Employment and Social Development Canada. We know that mentoring has the power to change lives - but with this project we will have further quantitative evidence of the value of mentoring to quickly help immigrants re-connect with their careers. We’re excited to embark on this research.”
– Margaret Eaton, Executive Director, Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)

“ACCES Employment is a proud community partner of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council and we have witnessed firsthand the impact that mentoring has made on the lives of newcomers. Mentoring provides significant support to newcomer jobseekers as they navigate the Canadian labour market for the first time. We look forward to seeing the results of this important study.”
– Allison Pond, President & CEO, ACCES Employment

• On average, and compared to their Canadian counterparts, immigrants have lower rates of labour force participation, and significantly higher unemployment rates.

• In 2016, the unemployment rate for recent immigrants between 25 and 54 years old was nearly 11 percent, while Canadian-born people in the same age group only had an unemployment rate of just over 5 percent.[1]

  [1] http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/labor90a-eng.htm

• According to a Statistics Canada report, only 24 percent of foreign-educated immigrants were working in an occupation corresponding to their field of study, compared to 62 percent of Canadian-born individuals.[1]

  [1] https://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-001-x/2010102/article/11121-eng.htm,

   Immigrants working in regulated occupations, (Zietsma, February 2010)

• Budget 2017 announced the targeted employment strategy for newcomers to help newcomers get their credentials recognized more quickly so they can find jobs that suit their skills and experience.

  o    The strategy has three components: 1) pre-arrival services, 2) a loans program and 3) a pilot to help newcomers obtain Canadian work experience in their field of study. Today’s funding is provided through this third component.

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Associated Links

• Foreign Credential Recognition Program
• Credential assessment in Canada
• Pre-arrival services
• Budget 2017

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
matt.pascuzzo@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-4183

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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