Premier’s Summit On Fairness For Newcomers Details Ongoing Struggles Facing Immigrants

The challenges facing newcomers coming to both Canada and Alberta are well documented. One of the top struggles — fairness. Especially, when it comes to employment.

That was the focus at the annual Premier’s Summit On Fairness For Newcomers held on April 15^th in Edmonton.

Driving Alberta’s Economy Forward: Unlocking Newcomer Skills and Careers brought together newcomers, the agencies that serve them, and other interested partners.

Discussions delved into the current and future state of work for immigrants in the province.

“Alberta’s growth really depends on the talent. But the talent is already here. A lot of newcomers are the talent,” TIES President & CEO Sally Zhao said.

“Our opportunity is to unlock those talents. Unlock the skills and the potential that they have brought with them.”

Delving Into the Issues

TIES (The Immigrant Education Society) was one of several Calgary-based immigrant serving agencies that attended the conference.

Zhao brought her insights to a lively and informative panel discussion entitled Business Best Practices.

She said her non-profit provides peer mentorship and leads with flexibility and understanding.

TIES employs approximately 230 people — many of them immigrants.

“We value their experience and we also value their international education,” Zhao said.

“We open the door to all the qualified people — regardless of whether you are local or a newcomer.”

Zhao added newcomers bring a number of strengths to Alberta’s economy — including new perspectives, skills, and practices.

All a “win-win” for businesses.

“Engaging newcomers well isn’t charity. Actually it is future-focused business strategy,” Zhao added.

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Other panel discussions featured inspiring stories and reflections from newcomers who have built successful careers in Alberta, and the importance of mentorship.

The crowd also heard from the province’s Foreign Credential Advisory Committee and saw a demonstration of a new Knowledge Hub developed by AAISA (Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies).

A keynote address, from speaker Paula Goebel, focused on how to build your career.
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Newcomers Still Welcomed: Alberta Government

Alberta’s Associate Minister of Multiculturalism assured the crowd that the province “continues to welcome people from around the world”.

Muhammad Yaseen acknowledged “some hiccups in the system”, but added that he and his government support newcomers — both financially and emotionally.

“Nobody should walk alone and I look forward to walk along with you.”

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wrapped up the conference.  

In her address, she said Alberta’s goal is still to bring talented immigrants in — as long as it’s sustainable.

Smith added that there has been an imbalance — a mismatch — in the number of people who have come in vs. available jobs. She’s worried that’s lead to a high rate of unemployment — especially youth unemployment.

“Immigration has to be done right. Let’s find out where the jobs are really needed.”

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Did You Know?

• Between 2021-25 Alberta welcomed/settled 264,515 skilled immigrants — representing 12% of all new immigrants to Canada

• In 2021, settled immigrants made up 15% of Alberta’s agricultural workforce

• Immigrants represent 41% of Alberta’s engineering workforce

• Internationally Educated Nurses make up 10% of Alberta’s working nurse force  

• International Medical Graduates account for more than one-third of the province’s physicians

• Immigrants from 2016-2021 made up 14% of Alberta’s professional law workforce  

(data provided by www.deflecto.com)

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Additional information:

https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/jeti-premiers-summit-on-fairness-for-newcomers-guide.pdf

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Media RSVP, Interviews & Inquiries:

Tomasia DaSilva

Media and Relationship Strategist

Email: tomasiadasilva@immigrant-education.ca

Phone: 403-291-0002