Building diverse teams inspires innovative client service: Ernst & Young

TORONTO, March 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Ernst & Young has been selected as one of the Best Employers for New Canadians for 2012: an award that recognizes employers who foster inclusive and welcoming work environments for new immigrants and foreign-trained professionals.

"By leveraging the innate talents and unique life experiences of qualified individuals from all backgrounds, our diverse global client base benefits from truly innovative client service, with a wide range of perspectives and insights," says Fiona Macfarlane, Ernst & Young's Chief Inclusiveness Officer. "Our firm has many programs and processes specifically designed to attract, retain and develop the skills of recent immigrants. We want to be sure we gather all the benefits of diversity of thought."

Some of the programs Ernst & Young offers new Canadian and foreign-trained employees include the following:

• In-house mentoring, coaching or on-boarding processes for new Canadians - As-needed programs that aim to make the transition to life in Canada easier for new-immigrant hires.
• Language training programs - On-site ESL/FSL training along with subsidized off-site training to recognize that limitations relating to language proficiency can sometimes be a barrier. Ernst & Young also provides an online "Global English" course where employees can virtually take English and writing classes at no cost.
• Business communications skills training - An as-needed program to help newcomers learn about presentation skills, the role of body language, etiquette, etc.
• Support for reciprocity examinations - Ernst & Young offers support to employees who have foreign designations and would like to obtain their Canadian CA designation or a US CPA designation.

Ernst & Young has also partnered with, and supports, many third-party organizations that assist job-seekers who are recent immigrants to Canada. The firm makes all job postings available to several multicultural outlets, and provides tools and training to help employees work more effectively with colleagues who have recently immigrated.

This is the third time Ernst & Young has been recognized as an outstanding employer for new Canadians, affirming the firm's focus on cultivating a people-first environment. The award is part of a program issued by Canada's Top 100 Employers.

About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

For more information, please visit ey.com/ca.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

To reach a spokesperson, please contact:

Jennifer Nascimben 
416 943 2487 
[email protected]

Julie Fournier
514 874 4308
[email protected]

Sarah Shields
604 648 3607 
[email protected]