NEWS FOR NEWCOMERS

Immigrants nearly absent at the top of the corporate ladder

From NEWS CANADA

Despite making up nearly 50 per cent of the population, Greater Toronto Area immigrants only make up six per cent of senior leadership positions across the public, private, and non-profit sector, according to a new report published by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC).

While newcomer unemployment rates are at an all-time low, too many immigrant professionals are unable to move up to executive and c-suite level positions. The lack of equal access to professional development opportunities, as well as implicit bias and discriminatory practices have been identified as key barriers contributing to this trend.

The report, Building A Corporate Ladder For All, explores key issues beyond just overall employment numbers of Canadian immigrants, or immediate outcomes like getting the first job. Through original research – including a study based on a sample of 659 executives and 69 organizations – and interviews with the GTA’s top employers, the report looks at labour market advancement trends, obstacles leading to career stagnation, and critical recommendations for inclusive practices leading to improved immigrant career progression.

“There’s clearly a glass ceiling for immigrant professionals and it’s unfortunate we’re not utilizing the full skills and talent they have to offer,” said Margaret Eaton, executive director of TRIEC. “Newcomers offer so much to the economic success of our region and seeing a lack of diversity in leadership positions means there’s still much progress to be made.”

The report also reveals:

• Private sector has the least diverse leadership: Only 5 per cent of corporate executives in the GTA are immigrants.

• Public and non-profit sectors are faring only slightly better: Only 6.6 per cent of executives in the GTA are immigrants.

• Career stagnation exists even in fields most commonly employing newcomers: Immigrants are not climbing up the ladder in financial and insurance as well as professional, scientific and technical services, where the largest concentration of immigrant professionals work.

• Intersectionality of gender and race has negative impacts – especially for women: Around 4.2 per cent of executives are racialized immigrants and two per cent of executives are immigrant women of colour. Only one in 100 corporate executives is a racialized immigrant woman.

The report was released at the TRIEC Immigrant Inclusion Summit. Attended by employers, employment service agencies, and leaders of professional immigrant associations, the event included a keynote presentation by the report’s author and networking opportunities between employers and newcomers.

Partners and employer champions in the city who have been countering the trends by going the extra mile in supporting immigrant success in the labour market were recognized at an awards ceremony. Over 5,000 newcomers were mentored this past year.

CITY OF TORONTO IS ONE OF CANADA’S TOP 100 EMPLOYERS

Organized by MediaCorp Canada Inc., the national competition, now in its 20th year, assesses employers against other organizations who lead in their industries in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees.

Editors evaluate employers based on eight criteria: physical workplace; work atmosphere and social environment; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement. Employers whose workplace operations and human resource practices offer the most progressive and forward-thinking programs are also acknowledged.

“I am pleased that the City of Toronto is once again being recognized as an employer of choice and an industry leader,” said Mayor John Tory. “Investing in people and creating a positive environment for staff are key priorities, which also result in the delivery of exceptional essential services and programs for all Torontonians.”

“The City of Toronto makes every effort to provide a progressive and innovative workplace culture to attract and retain the best talent,” said city manager Chris Murray. “It is an honour to receive this prestigious award for the fourth consecutive year. Our leadership team will continue to inspire the Toronto Public Service to strive for excellence, deliver on our corporate priorities and serve this great city and its people.”

The list of all Canada’s Top Employers and the reasons for selecting the winners are available at www. canadastop100.com/national/.