Halton Region proud to be named one of Canada's Best Employers for New Canadians

Halton Region has been rated as one of Canada’s Best Employers for new Canadians by Mediacorp Canada Inc. based on the Region’s commitment to programs and initiatives that help recent immigrants integrate into Halton’s workforce. This special designation recognizes “employers who offer interesting programs to assist new Canadians in making the transition to a new workplace — and a new life in Canada.” Halton Region participates in several mentoring programs and internships to help foreign trained professionals gain Canadian experience and develop the skills needed to successfully enter the labour market.

“Halton Region is committed to responding to the changing needs of Halton residents as the immigrant population increases and we are very proud to have received this important acknowledgment,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Newcomers contribute to our economic, social and cultural development and it is in everyone’s interest to help them settle into a healthy and prosperous life in Halton.”

Halton’s population is expected to double by 2031 to 740,000 people. Between 2001 and 2006, Halton’s immigrant population increased by almost 30% compared to an overall rate for the Province of 12%. This trend is expected to continue.

“To meet future labour market needs and maintain a competitive workforce, we need to do as much as we can to ensure the success of people who come to us through international immigration,” added Chair Carr. “Being seen as an employer of choice for new Canadians also means that we will be able to attract the best and most talented employees from the widest possible labour pool.”

For the past four years, Halton has participated as a host employer for the Career Bridge program operated by the not-for-profit group, Career Edge Organization. A bridge between industry and immigrants, this program creates paid internship opportunities to employers committed to providing relevant work experience to professionally trained newcomers to Canada. In addition, Halton participates in the Halton Mentorship Program for Internationally Trained Professionals. This program, spearheaded by Job Connect at the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, matches professional staff from Halton Region with internationally trained counterparts from the same profession. Over a four-month period, the mentors act as a resource to assist recent newcomers to develop the skills needed to find employment in their professions. Halton has been participating in the program since 2005.

Halton Region also participates in placement programs with the Halton Multicultural Council and the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton.

Mediacorp Canada Inc. is a publishing firm that manages the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. The project aims to identify the companies and organizations that lead their industries in attracting and retaining employees.

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