Build the business case for inclusion and recognize the return on investing in immigrant talent – these are just some of the recommendations from IEC-BC’s 2016 Employer Forum report, which was released on April 18.
Even though BC is leading Canada in GDP growth, it is at risk of losing its economic and competitive advantage in the increasing global competition for talent. A continued focus on “Canadian experience,” lack of recognition of international education and experience, and other biases about immigrants, will result in missed employment and innovation opportunities, and will impede the growth potential of BC’s economy.
The Forum brought together HR professionals and hiring managers from more than 35 BC businesses to analyze ways to unlock hidden biases, share best practices in hiring and retaining immigrant talent, and learn about the tools and resources that employers can tap into.
“We have to look beyond our assumptions and beyond our biases, and we have to get our colleagues ready to welcome new Canadians,” noted Kelly Pollack, IEC-BC CEO, summarizing the Forum findings.
