Read about this initiative and one  man's experience here!

A Great City is Within Reach! 

Immigrants face a number of obstacles upon landing in Canada which can include: language difficulties, cultural barriers, discrimination, isolation, vulnerability and a lack of community involvement.  Often, the most difficult struggle for immigrants is to find meaningful employment.

Immigrants must obtain and sustain employment that will enable them to obtain housing and enable them to meet the basic daily needs for their family and themselves.

Shell Immigrant Employment Project

 Shell has partnered with United Way to develop and implement the “Shell Immigrant Employment Project. “  This project focuses on increasing and enhancing employment opportunities for immigrants by assisting workplaces in developing policies and practices that support the success of immigrants and by increasing public awareness of the contributions that immigrants bring to our city.

In November 2008, Brian  Straub, President Shell  Canada and Ruth Ramsden-Wood, President United Way of Calgary and Area, publically announced the Shell Immigrant Employment Project during United Way’s Presidents Breakfast to an audience of business and community leaders.

United Way’s Commitment

United Way’s goal is to build a city where immigrants have the resources
 and power to reach their full potential.  United Way aims to do this by providing the seamless and efficient integration of immigrants into Calgary’s communities.  United Way recognizes four critical areas for the effective settlement and adaptation immigrants. These are:

• Neighbourhoods celebrating diversity and strengthened by diverse residents;
• Workplaces that nurture the full potential of immigrants;
• Community services that are appropriate and relevant;   
• Learning institutions that are responsive to the potential of immigrants.

What You Can Do

• Become a mentor to a newcomer
• Support cultural diversity within your workplace and community
• Spread awareness of the employment potential and high qualifications of immigrants
• Help newcomers feel at home within your organization