Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Canada Accelerates Efforts to Resettle Afghan Refugees
March 25, 2022—Ottawa, Ontario—The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals with urgency and care. As of today, Canada has welcomed 9,560 Afghan refugees, with more expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
The Importance of Employment for Newcomers
Securing employment is a critical milestone for many newcomers embarking on their journey in Canada. Not only does it facilitate their integration into Canadian society, but it also fosters self-confidence and a profound sense of belonging.
ACCES Employment: Bridging the Gap
ACCES Employment, a prominent service provider in the Greater Toronto Area, plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between job seekers from diverse backgrounds and potential employers. Notable companies such as Maple Leaf Foods, CGI, and Rogers have partnered with ACCES to extend their support to Afghan refugees.
Services Offered by ACCES:
- Mentoring Support
- Translation and Language Assistance
- Job Search Workshops: Including resume writing and interview preparation
- Work Placements
- Onboarding and Post-Hire Support
Virtual Job Fairs: A Gateway to Opportunities
To date, ACCES has conducted seven virtual job fairs, providing Afghan refugees with opportunities to explore their career interests and preferred settlement areas. Through personalized virtual meetings with potential employers, many refugees have advanced to follow-up interviews and received job offers.
National Expansion and Collaboration
Recognizing the need to broaden their impact, ACCES is collaborating with TalentPool in Calgary to organize larger-scale job fairs across Canada. Additionally, a partnership with IKEA Canada has been established to launch a national Customer Experience Training Program. This initiative is tailored for refugees eager to gain insights into customer experience strategies, along with offering work placements and mentorship opportunities.
Progress and Documentation
For media outlets, photos documenting the arrival of Afghan refugees are available on Dropbox. Furthermore, stakeholders and interested parties can track Canada’s progress in welcoming Afghan refugees through ongoing updates.
Canada's commitment to supporting Afghan refugees reflects its dedication to humanitarian efforts and its belief in fostering inclusive communities. As more refugees find their new home in Canada, the collaborative efforts between government bodies, service providers, and private companies will continue to play a crucial role in facilitating successful resettlement and integration.
