WHY HIRE AN IMMIGRANT?

More than ever, smart employers realize that hiring immigrants is good for business. Hiring immigrants helps employers serve diverse communities better, deal with labour shortages and improve productivity and retention. Still need convincing?  Read on for the top five reasons employers cannot afford to overlook skilled immigrant candidates.

1. Immigrants are Essential for Economic Growth:

• A rapidly aging population and low birth rate means Canada’s labour force is shrinking.
• Close to half of baby-boomers are nearing retirement, leaving a looming shortage of skilled workers. 
• Statistics Canada projects that immigrants will account for 100% of the net labour force growth in the next decade. 
• Given a dwindling labour pool, employers cannot afford to overlook skilled immigrants if they want to fill positions with the best available candidates. 

2. Immigrants are More Educated and Skilled:

• Canada’s immigration system puts a huge emphasis on attracting highly skilled immigrants which means immigrants to Canada tend to be highly educated. 
• Recently arrived, working-age immigrants are twice as likely to have a university degree as other Canadians, according to a recent study by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. 
• 36% of recent immigrants to Hamilton have a university degree, certificate or diploma compared to 18% of non-immigrants. 
• Around 8,000 professionals and skilled trades-people immigrated to Hamilton between 1996 and 2005.

3. Immigrants Connect Employers with Diverse Markets:

• Almost one in five Hamilton residents was born outside of Canada.   
  
• Employers are increasingly committed to ensuring their workplace reflects the market they serve. 
• A diverse workforce can help a business serve a changing local market and gain access to new and changing clientele. 
• Skilled immigrants bring new contacts and can connect you to markets abroad. 
• Immigrants understand the expectations and cultural norms of international partners and diverse clientele at home. 

4. Immigrants Improve Productivity and Retention:

• Research shows that most immigrants want to make their mark in the Canadian workforce. 
• Employers  comment  that immigrants often bring a high level of commitment and motivation to the workplace. As a result, they tend to have excellent attendance, retain their positions longer and reduce company turnover.  

5. Immigrants Can Boost Your Image:

• A diverse workforce can improve your corporate image as a progressive employer. 
• Government supports and incentives are available to employers to encourage the hiring of news workers and apprentices. For more information go to Supports and Incentives for Employers page.
• Companies that realize the benefits of hiring immigrants and internationally trained professionals may also receive awards to recognize their inclusiveness. One example is the new national award “Best Employers for New Canadians”.