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Business Series: Working Together

The benefits of having a diverse workforce were highlighted recently at a conference in Toronto. The one-day job fair brought together employers with potential newcomer employees.

Karen Xu came from China five years ago with her family. She says for months she's been trying to get a job in her field as an administrative assistant but hasn't had any luck.

"Although I have recent training it's no use, they always ask, 'do you have any Canadian experience?'."

Xu is not alone. Hundreds of newcomers came out to this job fair hoping to find work in their fields. Those who attended got a chance to take part in training workshops, presentations and received individual help with their resumes.

Kay Blair, Executive Director of Microskills, an agency that helps new immigrants find work in Canada, hopes this conference will help bridge the gap between newcomers and employers. "We wanted them to come together with employers and realize they have the capabilities, (and) the required competencies to function effectively in the workplace," says Blair.

Also at the conference, Janet Bell, a diversity expert, spoke with newcomers about Canadian corporate culture. Bell, who provides human resources and cultural training, says there's no question diversity is the wave of Canada's future.

"They have the knowledge of how the business operates in their home countries. So if you're going global, you have the contacts, you have the understanding. Again, you have a different viewpoint; you may have a solution made in another country that will fit here, that we've never thought of."

As for Xu, she says she's learned a lot and knows that although it will take time, she will land a job in her field.

For more information, pick up the March 29th issue of Canadian Business or visit the Minority Report section on OMNITV.ca.