WHAT WE DO

Nearly 24,000 new immigrants from 120 countries arrive in Alberta each year. With its large corporate office base, thousands of highly skilled immigrants chose Calgary as their home. These new Canadians arrive in Calgary eager to gain meaningful employment in their professional fields and to lend their expertise to our companies and communities. Despite high qualifications including post-secondary education and a wealth of work experience, many cannot find work in their chosen fields.

Common barriers that newcomers face include; limited English skills, difficulties with foreign credential recognition, lack of professional and personal networks, discounting of foreign experience, inadequate understanding of the values and norms of the Canadian workplace and isolation.

United Way is committed to developing, supporting and funding innovative programs that will help reduce the barriers and make Calgary a great place to call home for the newer residents.

In Calgary:

• Nearly 24,000 new immigrants from 120 countries arrive in Alberta each year; close to 60 percent settle in Calgary;
• Calgary attracts immigrants that are often more educated and highly skilled than other Canadian cities;
• 45 percent of immigrants arriving in Calgary hold a bachelor’s degree or higher;
• 50 percent of immigrants in Calgary with post-secondary credentials are not using their skills and experience;
• Most frequent problems in finding employment include lack of Canadian work experience, lack of contacts in the job market, lack of recognition of foreign qualifications and experience and language barriers.

To learn more click the links below:

Myth booklet

Shell Project