The Canadian economy has undoubtedly been built by the combined efforts of all its citizens, with immigrants contributing significantly. However, despite newcomers playing a critical role in Canada’s labour market, many continue to face barriers in the labour market. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in driving the Canadian economy, however many organizations don’t believe they have the right mix of employees with the right skills to help grow their organization. In response to this challenge, a preeminent research group called the Centre for Business Insights on Immigration (CBII) was formed to explore how to integrate immigrant talent into the workforce better and increase business participation. Immigrants and businesses alike may benefit from this non-partisan platform’s emphasis on streamlining the immigration process, especially for SMEs that are struggling with chronic labour shortages. Moncton, Oshawa, Saskatoon, Halifax, and Abbotsford-Mission are five cities with rapidly growing immigrant populations. A recent study, “Small Business, Big Impact: Immigrant Hiring and Integration in Five Canadian Cities,“ by the Conference Board of Canada, sheds light on the systemic challenges and opportunities associated with immigrant labour market integration and the challenges small businesses face.
Employment Challenges and Skill Deficits
One of the study’s key findings is that talent shortages are a major problem for SMEs in these locations. These companies are looking for people who can start immediately and only need a little training, so, they need to choose people whose skills and education fit the position well. For example, local SMEs in Moncton, New Brunswick, need help locating qualified personnel despite a 35.69% rise in the immigrant population from 2016 to 2021. Similar job difficulties have been reported in Oshawa, Ontario, which has seen an increase of 29.71% in its immigrant population. Many SMEs adopt practical and inclusive methods to evaluate immigrants’ credentials. However, very few SMEs actively seek out immigrant communities or work with organizations that serve immigrant populations when it comes to recruiting and onboarding, largely due to negative past experiences and limited understanding of immigration processes. Because of this, a diversified talent pool that might assist these enterprises overcome their skill shortages was ignored.
The Importance of Personal Relationships
In locations like Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Halifax, Nova Scotia, where the immigrant population increased by 10.33% and 7.44%, respectively, the research highlights the significance of enhancing local relationships between SMEs, organizations that serve SMEs, and agencies that assist immigrants. Numerous groups that help SMEs have voiced a need to do more to facilitate resource sharing and linkages between their member firms and groups that support immigrants. SMEs may improve their experiences with immigration programs and the integration of immigrant talent into their workforce by cultivating these local relationships. Helping SMEs deal with the intricacies of immigration and employment rules is another goal of stronger local collaborations.
Flexible workplace policies
In addition to improving local connections, the study recommends that SMEs in cities like Abbotsford-Mission, British Columbia, which saw a 6.25% increase in immigrant population, consider implementing flexible workplace policies to accommodate their employees’ diverse needs. For example, altering working hours to coincide with public transportation timetables or childcare arrangements might help immigrants manage work and family life. These rules promote employee well-being and boost work satisfaction and retention, which benefits the company in the long run. According to the survey, workplace flexibility may be an effective tool for SMEs to recruit and retain immigrant talent, which is critical in tackling the chronic labour shortages in these emerging cities.
The research highlights the need for an immigrant integration system that is adaptable and takes into account the requirements of both newcomers and SMEs, and can act inform regions across Canada. SMEs in Moncton, Oshawa, Saskatoon, Halifax, and Abbotsford-Mission can make significant contributions to the integration of immigrants and the development of the economy by filling skill shortages, fostering local ties, and implementing flexible working rules. To make sure that everyone’s interests are better served by Canada’s immigration system, the CBII’s studies and programs are vital in directing these efforts.
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