Advocacy

Saskatchewan is experiencing the worst labour crunch since 2009 with the largest job vacancies being felt in the agriculture; accommodation and food services; transportation and warehousing; manufacturing; and construction sectors. Increasing skilled immigration levels and improving immigrant participation in the workforce will be key to address these shortages.

Focusing on attracting, training and retaining a skilled workforce to match employer needs will ensure that we drive economic growth. Investments into programs and services publicly and privately must be aligned with the evolving needs of employers.

In exploring how Saskatchewan’s growth will be aided by our newcomers the Chamber compiled information on integrating newcomers into the labour force and what businesses can do to help.

Newcomers that are integrating into the workforce face many challenges that can be attributed back to some large factors:

• Lack of Canadian work experience and a professional network • Unrecognized foreign education, skills, and experience • Lack of understanding regarding Canadian workplaces/business culture and occupational norms • Potential for lack of English language proficiency • Lack of access to the hidden job market

80% of jobs in Saskatchewan are unregulated – meaning no formal credential assessment or licensure is required for employment and employers are then left to determine the job requirements for unregulated occupations, which can be made more newcomer friendly. However for the regulated industries, the process of having credentials recognized from a newcomer’s country of origin is a process that takes time and money.

There are many tactics that employers can utilize to assist newcomers in getting jobs and becoming integrated into the workforce. Employers can assist by being prepared to listen to and accept how a newcomers knowledge, skills and experience are transferable to meet a jobs needs. In addition the requirement for prior Canadian experience can be a challenging hurtle to overcome, employers may consider removing this criteria from their job requirements for employment.

Employers that are specifically looking to hire newcomer talent can reach out to an immigrant serving organization within the city to post job ads, host a recruitment fair, and make their business accessible to answer questions and create connections to the newcomer community in the area. Creating connections and simply stating in ads that newcomers to Canada are encouraged to apply can make a large difference.

Within the workforce cultural diversity training can be a useful tool to appreciating differences among co-workers, and providing knowledge and strategies to enhance employees' interpersonal and communication skills across diversity to help build a positive work environment.

Businesses should also consider their approach to job orientation as some newcomers may need a longer time period to orient to equipment, policies and procedures than someone with Canadian experience or training

Across the city there are different agencies that work to assist in both integrating newcomers into the workforce as well as support employers in their workforce strategies. Be sure to check out the compiled list of resources:

o SaskJobs - Career Services

o Government of Saskatchewan - Job Training and Financial

Support Programs

o Government of Saskatchewan - Hire, Train and Manage

Employees

o Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant

o Saskatchewan Apprenticeship

o Global Gathering Place

o Saskatchewan Open Door Society

o Saskatchewan Intercultural Association

o Government of Saskatchewan - Adult Basic Education

o Government of Saskatchewan - Settling Your Worker

1. One-on-one mentorship with an experienced mentor whose skill sets compliment your targeted areas of improvement. 2. Monthly seminars on topics of interest create an environment where participants can feel comfortable asking questions. 3. Technical advisors available one-on-one in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Legal, Sales, and Strategic Planning. 4. Program affiliations to access databases and resources from other programs including PCensus, Reference Canada, Hoovers, iSell, Kompass. 5. Access to RMMP databases including e-Statement Studies, First Research, and Profit Driver. 6. Peer-to-peer mentorship service where business owners can congregate and share their thoughts, ideas, and jointly solve problems with the guidance of a technical expert. 7. Networking opportunities.