Communities across the province continue to face population decline and aging demographics. As a result, local businesses are faced with the reality of labour shortages affecting business continuity. Strategic hiring of newcomers and supporting them to integrate into their new communities provide an accessible solution. That said, traditional hiring practices are not sufficient to retain newcomers in the long-term. Settlement services play a critical role in helping newcomers integrate, remain, and contribute to their communities over time. Settlement services support population retention, foster social connection, and encourage civic participation, all of which contribute to stronger and more resilient communities. Partnerships between municipalities, employers, local entities, and organizations like the Association for New Canadians establish a solid ground to ensure long-term workforce sustainability.
This presentation will explore how strategic hiring and employment practices, population sustainability, community engagement, and long-term growth are interconnected, and how collaboration between employers, municipalities, services providers, and community organizations ensures sustainability of local businesses and growth and development of communities.
The Association for New Canadians (ANC) is a non-profit, community-based organization delivering settlement and integration services to immigrants and refugees throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. For more than 40 years, the Association has delivered programs and services that support all aspects of immigrant integration, ranging from settlement information and orientation to language learning, skills development and employment.
Outcomes:
1. Members will identify how effective settlement and welcoming practices support long-term workforce sustainability, community growth, helping communities retain newcomers, attract future workers, and build a positive reputation for investment and economic stability.
2. Members will understand how employer and settlement supports, such as those available through ANC, contribute to population growth and community sustainability, including countering population decline, supporting business continuity, and strengthening long-term employee retention.
3. Members will recognize the social, cultural, and civic benefits of newcomer employment and settlement, including increased community engagement, volunteerism, cultural exchange, and the development of local leadership.
