2015 Employer Excellence Awards

Congratulations to the 2015 Employer Excellence Award Recipients!

The following Ottawa employers were recognized at the 2015 Employer Council of Champions Summit for their outstanding practices in the recruitment and retention of skilled immigrants in their workplaces.

Business Development Bank of Canada

A different kind of bank

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) works with local agencies and bridging programs to access pools of experienced international talent. It helps these new Canadians prepare for rewarding careers in the Canadian banking industry, and also actively recruits from this talent pool to build the diversity of its own team. Since 2010, BDC has hired 28 new Canadians via partnerships with bridging programs across Ontario, including here in Ottawa. Read more >>>

Epocal

World-class products from a world-class team

Epocal brings world-class healthcare technology to market, and it relies on a world-class team that hails from around the globe to do it. Epocal recognizes international academic, professional and work experience qualifications at face value, and on par with Canadian credentials. In this multicultural workplace, a standardized recruitment and onboarding process is complemented by an informal buddy system – current staff will take new hires with the same cultural experiences under wing to help them become confident and productive members of Epocal’s open-door culture. Read More>>>

Ottawa Catholic School Board

26 languages and counting

At the Ottawa Catholic School Board, 62 per cent of its English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors are immigrants to Canada who represent a diversity of faiths and cultures. Every attempt is made to provide applicants with fair interview practices, recognize their credentials, and create a welcoming workplace environment that is respectful and supportive of individual cultural and religious beliefs. Read More >>>

Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre

Outstanding care, whatever the language

At the Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre, almost 50 per cent of its client base represents immigrant populations, a notably higher percentage than elsewhere in Ottawa. PQCHC proactively recruits staff and volunteers that are representative of its client base by working with local immigrant agencies. As a result, about 39 per cent of its staff, and 67 per cent of its volunteers, are representative of the diverse population it serves. Read More>>>