2. Meeting the Immigration Challenge Strategies for recruiting talent internationally Mark Surrette, President Moncton, NB October 2, 2008

3. Areas of Focus Sourcing Integration Managing

4. Sourcing How do we recruit immigrants? –Not many of us know how –Local pools are shallow –Need to go abroad –Use of agencies –Use of brokers –Going to the country of interest - focus

5. Sourcing Work with national associations Recruiting families or multiple candidates Complicated process Cannot be whimsical in approach Highly competitive –65% claim increase in focus –50% claim hiring takes longer –50% claim paperwork is the biggest challenge

6. Integration Probably the biggest challenge Credential recognition Critical mass in society ‘Friendly but not welcoming’ Use of organizations like MISA Integration means the entire family, not simply the individual

7. Integration Ability to check references and backgrounds

8. Managing a Diverse Workforce Workplace diversity as a source of pride and strength –Starts at the top Enhanced awareness –Need to train and sensitize your employees and supervisors to the complex challenges related to diversity

9. Managing a Diverse Workforce Fairness and consistency of employment systems –Match rewards to needs Outreach into the Community –Builds support and understanding Careful use and tolerance of language and behavior

10. Managing a Diverse Workforce Items to consider –Diversity Days –Diversity Calendar –Respectful Workplace Training –ESL Training – Basic and Advanced

11. Summary Immigration as a solution to our skilled worker shortage is not as easy as it appears Workplace and societal changes needed Must be undertaken now – in a serious way Cannot rely on government or other agencies – organizations must take ownership and action

12. Questions and Discussion

13. Thank You!