Image via WikipediaMississauga was one of just two municipaliies across the nation to make the list. The other was the Region of Halton.
The list, which identifies the best employers for recent immigrants, is a joint initiative of two charitable foundations: The Maytree Foundation and The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation.
"These employers offer interesting programs to assist new Canadians in making the transition to a new workplace — and a new life in Canada," said the sponsors. The list was published in this week a special supplement of The Globe & Mail.
The City of Mississauga was cited for "addressing the practical challenges that new Canadians face when seeking employment."
Through the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) Mentoring Partnership, City of Mississauga employees connect with skilled immigrants to provide them with career support and guidance.
The City also hires interns through Career Bridge, an internship program for internationally qualified professionals. More than half of those interns have gone on to secure permanent jobs with the City.
Mississauga also helps internationally-trained engineers develop their English skills through a program sponsored by ACCES Employment.
"We are so pleased that our partnerships ... have been recognized in this way," said City Manager Janice Baker. "Mississauga has benefited from the arrival of thousands of immigrants, and today, almost 50 per cent of our citizens were born in another country. We are working to do our part to give new Canadians relevant work experience and the best possible start in their adopted country."
Also on the best employers list was Xerox Corp., which has a major research facility in the Sheridan Technology and Science Park.
It was also recognized for participating in the TRIEC mentoring partnership and the Career Bridge programs, for including new Canadians on its interview teams and for working directly with the Dixie-Bloor Neighbourhood Centre to connect with new Canadians who are seeking jobs.
jstewart@mississauga.net
