The 2024 EmployerOne Survey highlights significant insights into immigrant employment trends in eastern Ontario regions.

A notable finding from the survey is the increased number of employers hiring recently arrived newcomers. In 2023, 41% of surveyed employers reported hiring recent immigrants. This represents a substantial increase from the January 2022 result of 29%. The increase suggests a growing recognition of immigrants’ value to the local workforce.

Surveyed employers describe specific challenges related to employing immigrants. A key problem is the difficulty that immigrants experience when it comes to getting their international qualifications and credentials recognized. This poses a significant barrier for skilled immigrants seeking employment in their fields upon arriving in Canada.

Employers also noted the need for additional support to help immigrants integrate more effectively into the workforce. This includes providing more opportunities for people to improve their English communication skills as well as cultural training to help immigrants understand Canadian workplace norms and expectations.

The survey also revealed that employers are looking for better incentives and support mechanisms to encourage the hiring and training of immigrants, suggesting a need for policies that facilitate the integration of the newcomer demographic into local economies.

These findings underscore the importance of targeted efforts to support immigrant employment and ensure that newcomers’ skills and experiences are used effectively in regional labour markets.