Newcomers to Canada are key to filling the workforce, and the Welcoming Communities Coalition at the Immigrant Welcome Center is running a series of forums to show that.

“The growth of our population just doesn’t keep pace with the growth of our jobs,” said Anne McLeod, IWC Community Relations Manager. “Immigrants are a very important source of labor. It’s also important to remember that they don’t just fill these lower level positions. Some of them are highly qualified and bring very specific skills and abilities to the labor market. Some of them are even willing, willing and able to be entrepreneurs, employers and business owners.

“We want to help dispel this myth and help the community and employers in particular realize that many of these people are highly skilled,” she said.

Next week, the IWC will be hosting two virtual forums, one based in the Comox Valley on November 24 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the other in Campbell River on November 25 at the same time, to promote discussion. between newcomers to Canada and the communities in which they choose to live. The goal is to address concerns and ensure that everyone feels welcome in our communities.

“They are an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss issues related to immigration and newcomers in the community and how we can make sure our communities are meeting their needs and are ready and willing. to welcome them and help them get settled here, ”says McLeod.

Although the forums focus on the two different communities, people can attend both. The events will feature employers from two different communities and people who can provide labor market information.

The Comox Valley event will feature Brooke Thoburn of the Creative Employment Access Society, as well as Jen LeVesconte, director of the Courtenay Winners. Thoburn will speak about the labor market outlook and the role immigration will play in future labor shortages, and LeVesconte will speak about his company’s diversity and inclusion practices that help recruit and retain talent. workers and their experiences on their regional diversity and inclusion committee.

In Campbell River, NIEFS Regional Manager of Employer Services Chris Callanan will talk about future labor shortages, while Home Depot Human Resources Manager Amy Heath will discuss the company and its challenges. practice.

McLeod said the goal “is to create opportunities to talk to community members and various community stakeholders about their experiences and knowledge of newcomers and immigrants, as well as to hear them about what they need to better serve immigrants. It is also about hearing.

“It’s a lot of community dialogue.

People can register for both events online.

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