LEDC Launches Immigrants Work Project

October 17, 2006 (London, ON) - A project designed to help businesses capitalize on the skills and talents of immigrants was launched today by the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC).

Funded by Service Canada, Immigrants Work will result in the development of resources that will enable businesses to better utilize the skills of immigrants as well as resources to assist immigrants integrate into the Canadian workforce.

"This project is particularly timely as businesses continue to face recruitment and retention challenges," says Jeny Wallace, Director of Workforce at the LEDC, "By all accounts, immigrants will fuel the growth of our future workforce and it is crucial that we get this pool of talent and skills effectively engaged with our businesses."

Wallace also notes that there is a significant amount of activity currently underway in London as it relates to immigrants and diversity.

"Projects like Skills International, the City of London's Immigration Portal, the Celebrating Cultural Diversity Conference, and Immigrant employment Taskforce and Summit, along with this very practical resource - Immigrants Work - are all coming together with fantastic synergy," says Wallace. "When you bring all these initiatives together, London is well positioned to see significant progress in how we engage immigrants as part of our community."

Modeled after the LEDC's successful Experience Works project in 2005, the Immigrants Work resources will be available in Spring 2007. Service Canada has $150,000 in funding for the project.

"This is one of a number of exciting initiatives," says Anne Langille General Manager, WIL Employment Connections. "The fact that there is so much activity around attracting and integrating immigrants is very positive for the London community. This project will provide a very practical tool to complement the other initiatives."

The project was awarded in mid September to a joint consulting team comprised of Ann Hutchison Communications and The Lashbrook Group. The research work is currently underway with writing and design slated to begin in November.

The LEDC has created an Immigrants Work taskforce to lead and manage the project. This group includes Jeny Wallace along with Rose Aquino, UWO International Student Advisor and Counselor, Dolores Bryant, President, HR Professionals of London & District (HRPLD), Wendy Curtis, Director, Fanshawe International, Liz Evanski, Past President, HRPLD, Patricia Hoffer, LEDC Director Marketing & Communications, Paul Hubert, Co-Chair Employment Sector Council London Middlesex (ESCLM), Anne Langille, Co Chair ESCLM, Jennifer Tulk, HR Analyst Employee Services, 3M Canada, Mo Jeng, Manager, Social Research & Planning, City of London and Ana Maria Escovar, Employment Services, Youth Opportunities Unlimited.

For more information, please contact:

Jeny Wallace
Director, Workforce
London Economic Development Corporation
519-661-4526

Patricia Hoffer
Director, Marketing & Communications
London Economic Development Corporation
519-661-5009