The Government of Canada has recognised a number of businesses that have gone above and beyond in hiring immigrants and refugees and facilitating their integration into the workplace and Canadian society by connecting them with community resources.
The Southern Alberta business, JBS Food Canada, was one business congratulated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Ahmed Hussen as one of the winners of the 2017 Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment for their exemplary work to help newcomers to Canada find and retain jobs and enhance their employment skills.
“It is encouraging to hear about how JBS Food Canada has implemented a number of measures to ensure that newcomer employees feel welcomed, are able to work safely, and have every opportunity to successfully settle and integrate into Canadian society and their new community,” said Minister Hussen. “By recruiting immigrants and offering them meaningful employment, Canadian employers like this one go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment where newcomers, their families and local communities can thrive.”
Every year through these awards, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes local businesses’ innovative efforts to improve the labour market attachment and integration of newcomers across Canada. The winning organisations help reduce the barriers faced by newcomers in entering the labour market and improve their overall settlement in Canada.
“At JBS Food Canada, our people make our business possible and we take pride in being able to provide opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of the diverse members of our dedicated team,” said David Colwell, CEO of JBS Food Canada. “We are humbled by this recognition and thank IRCC for their efforts to help newcomers who are eager to contribute to the growth and success of our country.”
Winners were announced at the 2017 Employer Council of Champions Summit, organized by Hire Immigrants Ottawa, which brought together business, government and civic leaders to engage in a dialogue about the effective integration of refugees and immigrants into the labour force, and to celebrate employer excellence.
Other winners on the night included Neepawa, Manitoba-based HyLife Food and Kelowna, British Columbia business Peter’s Your Independent Grocer (YIG).
Article published 9th March 2017