Today, the City of Toronto partnered with World Education Services and Jumpstart Refugee Talent to host the third annual Toronto Refugee Hiring Event to support refugees and help increase their access to jobs in the city.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York) joined The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, Senator, along with City staff to welcome people to the event and support their journey to meaningful employment in Toronto.
The event provided meaningful employment through pre-screened job opportunities from a range of sectors while offering support from community employment agencies for resumé and interview coaching.
Employers from the banking, retail and hospital sectors participated in the event this year. More than 415 job seekers were registered to participate in on-the-spot interviews with 27 employers.
The 2022 Toronto Refugee Hiring Event led to more than 100 on-the-spot and conditional job offers with others being offered a second interview or inclusion in further hiring processes by participating employers.
Led by the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable, the 2022 Toronto Refugee Hiring Event is organized by World Education Services and Jumpstart Refugee Talent with support from Starbucks Canada and in partnership with the City and refugee-serving community agencies.
Through the Newcomer Office, the City works to ensure that newcomers living in Toronto have a sense of belonging, well-being and connectedness and that they feel safe, supported, welcomed and engaged. This is accomplished through the implementation of:
• The Toronto Newcomer Strategy
• The Refugee Resettlement Program
• Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians
The City works closely with settlement sector partners, Toronto Local Immigration Partnerships and other internal and external stakeholders to provide a coordinated approach to newcomer issues.
Quotes:
“The annual Refugee Hiring Event opens doors and creates bridges, showcasing the talent and potential of refugees and those who have been displaced. Empowering people isn’t just an act of compassion, it’s an investment in resilience, diversity and the strength of Toronto.”
–Mayor Olivia Chow
“Many people come to Toronto for new and better lives, for themselves and their families. Providing opportunities for meaningful employment allows newcomers to feel a sense of belonging, supports well-being and builds connection to the city and the many diverse communities that make up Toronto.”
– Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York)
“Far too many forcibly displaced people across Canada struggle to find employment. Meanwhile, employers are struggling with labour shortages. The Refugee Hiring Event is helping to bridge the gap by connecting refugees with opportunities and connecting employers with untapped talent.”
– Shamira Madhany, Deputy Executive Director and Managing Director, World Education Services
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.