Skilled immigrants are an excellent source of talent for employers looking to create a diverse and innovative workforce. But knowing where and how to find this talent can be a challenge for some employers.

This hireimmigrants.ca webinar will examine Professional Immigrant Networks as a source of immigrant talent that can help employers meet business and organizational needs.

Participants will learn about these networks, where to find them and how to work with them in a mutually beneficial way.

Speakers:

• Suzanne Hoffberg, Racism Prevention Officer with HRSDC’s Racism-Free Workplace Strategy.
• Racquel Sevilla, Manager of Project Development at TRIEC.
• Deanna Matzanke, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Scotiabank.
• Daniel Cheoreanu, President of the Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada.

Background:

Professional immigrant networks are volunteer-run, member-based associations or networks created by and for immigrant professionals who seek to create a forum to:

• contribute to and enrich their respective communities
• provide opportunities for their members to find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals.

In 2009, TRIEC found 70 active networks operating in Ontario, mostly the GTA, and works with these groups to help them connect their members to meaningful employment. In February, TRIEC will launch the PINs website, an online community for the networks TRIEC has identified.

The goal of the initiative is to connect leaders of the various PINs, and their members, with employers, professional associations, service providers, government and other key partners.

Other immigrant employment councils, including those in the Waterloo Region, Ottawa, London-Middlesex, Calgary and Halifax, have either completed or will conduct similar searches of networks in their areas and these groups will also be invited to join the online community.

Technical Details:

To participate, you will need a computer with Internet access and a landline telephone.

Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Time: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. (ET)

Access Webinar: http://maytree.adobeconnect.com/pinconnect/

Dial-In Info: 1-866-388-0037#, Press 1# for English, then enter 154848#