Diversity is Profitable & Here to Stay
Featuring Career Development Expert Minto Roy
We get calls every week from reporters and researchers looking for a quote or seeking some insight on business and career-related topics – more and more often, those queries relate to “workplace diversity” and “tapping into new Canadian talent.” Minto has been asked to speak to CEOs, Directors, MPs and MLAs on this topic, and their interest increases the more they learn. It’s a sign of the times – and a very good sign for today’s immigrants.
Minto Says:
We have seen a staggering rise by media and corporate Canada in discussing issues related immigrant workplace integration. Industries are screaming "we have jobs to fill." Provincial, Federal politicians regularly debate the best ways to assist professional immigrants. And Immigration Canada is increasing its immigration quotas more and more every year.
This is not the flavour of the month. This is and will be a steadfast menu item on Canada’s table. Businesses are learning how they butter their bread, and hiring immigrants, it turns out, is profitable.
The public volume is loud on this topic. Corporations have long been focused on how to strategically position themselves as a company of choice to attract immigrant consumers. It’s so exciting to see that they are now concerned with how to attract immigrant employees as well.
It may be the most opportune time for new professional immigrants.
Now, there is no magic pill or quick fix coming. People will still ask you about your Canadian experience and your English language skills are as important as ever. However, with the rise of media and spotlight will come a greater reception by companies to embrace talent. There is an obvious social benefit in helping newcomers but corporations have now felt some of the pain and consequence of ignoring such mass social change. And they’re responding.
Companies cannot ignore that as much as half of their products and services are brought by consumers who came to Canada from another country. And best practices in marketing and branding have always advocated putting your consumer’s face in your marketing and sales. Companies now have figured out that they also need to put those faces – and those languages, and that intellectual capital – in their offices.
It’s a great day to be Canadian.
Minto Roy
President
CareersToday Canada
www.careerstodaycanada.com
www.mintoroy.net