One of the things I am very passionate about is promoting the importance of diversity in the workforce. Several years ago, BOWEN piloted at program called Immigrant Works with the Government of Alberta and corporate Calgary. Its purpose was to encourage employers to hire from the tremendous skilled foreign worker talent pool.

Today, I am thrilled to be chairing the Adult Immigrant Initiative for the United Way of Calgary and Area, and involved in the Shell immigrant employment project.

Unemployment numbers are slowly creeping downward, and in the very near future there will be shortage of qualified candidates to choose from for a variety of different roles across many industries. Smart employers are already looking ahead with workforce plans that include a diverse employee pool.

The Canadian workforce is rapidly changing. Just consider the following facts:

·         Canada’s workforce is shrinking, babyboomers are retiring and our birthrate is low;

·         By 2011 immigrants will account for 100% of the growth of the workforce;

·         Demand is increasing for skilled labour.

(Source: Shell Immigrant Employment Project) 

Thankfully, Calgary attracts some of the brightest skilled foreign workers:

·         Nearly 24,000 new immigrants from 120 countries arrive in Alberta each year; close to 60% settle in Calgary;

·         Calgary attracts immigrants that are often more educated and highly-skilled than other Canadian cities;

·         45% of immigrants arriving in Calgary hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher;

·         50 % of immigrants in Calgary with post-secondary credentials are not using their skills and experience;

·         Most frequent problems in finding employment include lack of Canadian work experience, lack of contacts in the job market, lack of recognition of foreign qualifications and experience and language barriers.

(Source: Shell Immigrant Employment Project) 

The numbers speak for themselves. Understanding and embracing the skilled foreign workforce will be key to future business success. In my next blog post, I’ll talk more about how diversity can strengthen an organization and how Calgary companies can get involved today.