C.A.I.P.S. Canadian Access for International Professions and Skilled Trades

Evolving Responses to the Rapidly Changing Labour Market

Agenda  Introduction to the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre  Overview of the demographics of the Niagara Region  Identify labour market changes within the past years  Strategies that effectively address the changing labour market

 Emergency shelter for refugees and immigrants  ESL ~ English as a Second Language classes  ALT – Advanced Language Training  Child care facilities on site  Legal assistance for all immigration papers  Translation services  Assistance with: housing, immigration medicals, school registration and enrollment in community programs  Full employment Assistance Program ~ CAIPS  Mentorship Program  Support and sponsorship of: Women, Youth and Cultural Groups  International Physicians and Surgeons and  Internationally Trained Engineers Programs

 Lead agency in Niagara to promote culture and diversity  Founder and host of the 30 th Annual Folklore Festivals and World Ball (22 cultural group membership)  Organizers of the Annual International Luncheons  Host agency for the Canada Day Celebration in the park  Member of the board for OCASI  Members of the Master Planning Committee for the City of Welland  Founding chair of the Niagara Newcomers Service Alliance  Founder of the IMG – Niagara Chapter (which lead to the development of AIPSO in Ontario

Niagara Region

Niagara Region - Challenges The following have been identified as the three major challenges within our Regional Labour Market:  Industry shifts  Aging population  Employers and local government not ready for change

Niagara Region – LMI Shift in Industry Manufacturing  Gaming  Tourism  Hospitality  Service  Telecommunications

Niagara Region - LMI Aging Population  Niagara’s population is slightly further aged than the Ontario provincial average  The Ontario provincial population will look more like the Niagara Region in five years time  The share of Niagara’s population under the age of 50 is less than the provincial average and subsequently a greater share than the provincial average is over 50 Source: ntab Workforce Focus October 2005

Niagara Region – LMI Lack of Planning  National and Provincial governments have not coordinated their efforts to resolve the issues surrounding regulatory bodies and licensing  Employers and local governments are not ready for change and have not embraced immigration as the solution towards growth. This includes economically and socially

Rapid Response Our goal was simple! Reach out to the community and raise awareness of: Reach out to the community and raise awareness of:  Diversity  Inclusiveness  The importance of immigration and the role it will play in our future prosperity

How Do We Do That?

Rapid Response  Quarterly Employer Newsletters (mail-out)  Annual employer forums  Membership with the Chamber of Commerce  Breakfast Seminars for the employer community  Guest speaking engagements

Rapid Response  Cultural sensitivity and diversity training  Recruitment services for the employer community  Partnerships  Sponsor and/or host cultural events  Facilitate multimedia presentation at conferences Locally, Provincially and Nationally

Rapid Response  Promote our clients through direct job development  Mentorship, Networking events  Media coverage  Welland Heritage Council “Award of Excellence” for Outstanding Contributions Towards Diversity

Thank You