Labour market integration is a key milestone in the settlement journey. It provides im/migrants with opportunities to achieve economic stability and contribute their skills and experience to their communities. Navigating the Canadian labour market can be challenging for newcomers who may be unfamiliar with pathways to economic stability, local hiring practices, workplace culture, credential requirements, and opportunities to build professional networks.
Over the course of 2025-2026, over 2,200 im/migrants accessed employment and labour market integration services through Impact North Shore. Our programs supported im/migrants at every stage of their employment journey, recognizing that achieving meaningful employment often begins with building foundational knowledge, developing job search skills, and understanding how to navigate opportunities within the Canadian workforce.
Through individualized employment counselling, workshops, labour market orientation sessions, and networking opportunities, im/migrants gained practical tools and information to make informed decisions about their career pathways. Whether seeking their first job in Canada, exploring a career transition, or preparing to re-enter their profession, im/migrants received support tailored to their goals, skills, and experience.
Professional networking and mentoring continued to play an important role in helping im/migrants understand industry expectations, expand their professional networks, and build connections with potential employers. Supported by partnerships with more than 200 employers, the program created meaningful opportunities for industry engagement and facilitated newcomers’ entry into the labour market.
Through access to employers, professional mentors, and sector-specific guidance, internationally trained professionals gained insights into credential recognition processes, workplace practices, and strategies for pursuing employment aligned with their qualifications and experience. These connections helped im/migrants strengthen their understanding of the Canadian labour market while expanding their professional networks needed to pursue their career goals.
Entrepreneurship continued to be an important pathway to economic participation for many im/migrants. This year, 180 im/migrants participated in entrepreneurship programming, where they explored self-employment opportunities, learned about Canadian business practices and regulatory requirements, and developed the knowledge needed to assess and advance their business ideas.
Supporting youth as they prepare for future employment remained an important area of focus throughout the year. Our programs supported im/migrant youth in developing the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for future labour market success. Through employment-focused workshops, career exploration activities, skills development training, certifications, and individualized guidance, im/migrant youth gained a stronger understanding of workplace expectations, job search strategies, and career pathways in Canada. These experiences helped prepare youth participants to make informed decisions about their education and employment goals while building the competencies needed to navigate the labour market successfully.
