Unlocking Business Growth with Immigrant Talent
The Burnaby Board of Trade is proud to bring you Unlocking Business Growth with Immigrant Talent, a public resource hub for employers across British Columbia. The BC Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) to support employers in strengthening their talent pipelines through the integration of skilled immigrant professionals. Employers across the province can now access practical tools, programs, and resources to attract, hire, and retain skilled immigrant talent while building more inclusive workplaces.
Unlocking Business Growth with Immigrant Talent
Leverage a suite of no-cost, high-impact programs designed to connect you with job-ready, skilled immigrant professionals.
Streamline Hiring & Onboarding
Access tools like TalentConnect and ASCEND for Employees to reduce hiring time, enhance onboarding, and boost retention.
Gain Strategic HR Support
Tap into practical HR guidance from experienced business mentors and strengthen your internal capacity through B2B MentorConnect.
Support Inclusive Workplaces
Foster a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture through mentoring, training, and community engagement opportunities.
Shape Public Policy
Participate in Employer Feedback Forums to influence future immigration policies and workforce development strategies.
Access Sector-Specific Talent
Programs like FAST and MentorConnect prepare newcomers with industry-specific skills and workplace readiness. TalentConnect links employers with prequalified talent through targeted hiring and tailored networking.
Programs and Resources
TalentConnect provides customized recruitment support that links employers with qualified, job-ready immigrant professionals through meaningful hiring and networking opportunities. Whether you need to strengthen your future talent pipeline or hire for urgent openings, this program is designed to support you throughout the process to ensure it’s smooth, efficient, and aligned with your organization’s needs. For more information, email talentconnect@iecbc.ca.
With ASCEND for Employees, employers can offer newcomer team members a flexible online course that eases their transition into the Canadian workplace. Through practical, scenario-based activities, internationally trained professionals build the confidence and skills needed to integrate quickly and contribute meaningfully. For more information, email employerengagement@iecbc.ca.
B2B MentorConnect
B2B MentorConnect connects experienced employers with organizations beginning to integrate immigrant talent into their workforce. Through individualized or group mentoring, the program encourages knowledge-sharing and skill development, helping SMEs and other employers create more inclusive environments and respond to ongoing talent gaps. For more information, email employerengagement@iecbc.ca.
National Employer Feedback Forums
The National Employer Feedback Forums create a space for employers, community leaders, and policymakers to openly discuss the realities of integrating skilled immigrant talent. By collecting insights from a wide range of voices, these forums help inform future programs and policies that strengthen workforce inclusion, improve retention, and contribute to economic growth in B.C. and across Canada. For more information, email employerengagement@iecbc.ca.
FAST offers free, online, self-directed employment preparation for immigrants in six key sectors, helping them compare their international experience with Canadian standards. The program supports newcomers in overcoming challenges such as learning local workplace expectations, building networks, navigating job searches, and bridging the gap created by not having Canadian work experience. For more information, email fastcanada@iecbc.ca.
Through MentorConnect, skilled immigrants are matched with seasoned professionals for mentorship tailored to their occupation. Newcomers entering the program already possess strong education, work backgrounds, and language proficiency. What they often lack is familiarity with Canadian workplace culture or access to local networks. A dedicated mentor helps bridge that gap by offering guidance, industry context, and pathways to professional opportunities. For more information, email employerengagement@iecbc.ca.