Congratulations to the 2010 Employer Excellence Award Recipients!
The city of Ottawa, OCRI Talent Bridge and Revera Health Services received Employer Excellence Awards for outstanding practices in the recruitment of skilled immigrants, presented at the 2010 ECC Summit.
The City of Ottawa was recognized for developing and applying a human resources tool called the “Equity and Inclusion Lens” as part of its hiring practices. This tool is used to develop policies and programs that address the systemic barriers in the recruitment and promotion of diverse talent, including internationally trained individuals. By increasing diversity in the workplace, the City seeks to better reflect the community it serves. The Lens was created in partnership with the City for All Women Initiative.
“The City is using the Equity and Inclusion Lens to enhance its recruitment efforts and improve our focus on recruiting skilled immigrants. This approach makes good business sense and is an effective way to recruit excellent new staff from across Ottawa’s diverse communities,” said City Manager Kent Kirkpatrick.
OCRI Talent Bridge’s internship program offers unique opportunities for young talent, including new Canadians, to foster their professional skills and entrepreneurial spirit. By investing in the talent of the next generation, the program ensures that Ottawa remains competitive as a hub for creative talent. OCRI Talent Bridge hires and matches candidates with Ottawa’s small- and medium-sized enterprises to help them gain valuable paid work experience and, ultimately, gain entry into the labour market. To support candidates, OCRI Talent Bridge provides full access to training and mentorship programs to help candidates search for jobs or develop their own business opportunities.
“In a very short time TalentBridge has delivered immediate results that benefit the … participants and the local small companies that get involved,” says Stephen Daze, Executive Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, OCRI. “… TalentBridge will help ensure that Ontario remains at the forefront of the competition for global talent.”
Revera Health Services Inc. Revera Health Services Inc. recognizes the value and potential of skilled immigrants’ international experience. Close to half of Revera’s employees are skilled immigrants. Revera helps them obtain Canadian certification and pays related expenses. Its HR policies ensure that all immigrant employees work in an environment free of barriers and bias. The company offers flexible work hours to allow its staff the opportunity for professional development.
“The recruitment, training and development of immigrants have been important elements in our management plan for many years, and will continue to be in the future,” says Joanne Tapp, Human Resources Manager. “Over 50% of our staff in the National Capital Region are immigrants, so Revera health Services relies on their expertise to maintain our high standards of excellence in the provision of in-home health care services to our clients. It is truly an honour for Revera Health Services to receive this award.”
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The Employer Excellence Awards recognize local employers for their innovative recruitment and retention policies, and promising practices around the integration of skilled immigrants into their organizations. The awards categories include small, medium and large private- and public-sector organizations and businesses in the National Capital Region.
The award application forms will be available later in fall. If you would like to be notified when the call for entries is open, please email info@hireimmigrantsottawa.ca.