Immigrants Friendly Employers - Part 1

Canada is indeed a country of immigrants. A growing number of permanent residents, temporary foreign workers and international students are coming here every year. Immigrants have been an important contributor to Canadian economy. However, the high unemployment rate among immigrants is an undeniable fact. (Unemployment rate of very recent immigrants - 10.16%; recent immigrants - 6.5%; established immigrants - 5.2%; Canadian Citizens - 4.9%, Statistics Canada 2006) "Not enough Canadian job experience," "no connections in job market" and "foreign experience or qualifications not accepted" are top reasons for job search difficulties for new immigrants.

While a high percentage of new immigrants is facing these challenges, there are companies in Canada that recognize the advantage of hiring skilled immigrants and provide ongoing support services and programs.

Each year, a blue-ribbon Academic Advisory Board selects Canada's Best 100 Employers, 20 of which are the best employers for new Canadians. The next 3 posts will introduce a summary of how these companies are committed to supporting internationally skilled new Canadians. This information is from the website: www.canadastop100.com/immigrants/

20 Best Employers for new Canadians 2008 are (Alphabetical Order):
Associated Engineering Group Ltd., Business Development Bank of Canada/BDC, CAE Inc., Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce/CIBC, Christie Digital Systems Canada Inc., Enbridge Inc., Ernst & Young LLP, i3DVR International Inc., Island Hearing, KPMG LLP, Keane Canada, Inc., MDS Nordion Inc., Manulife Financial Corporation, Providence Health Care, Replicon Inc., St. Michael's Hospital, TD Bank Financial Group, Toronto Transit Commission/ TTC, University of Saskatchewan, Wardrop Engineering Inc.