City of Toronto celebrates progress in mentoring immigrants

TORONTO, Feb. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Members of the Toronto Public Service were joined by representatives of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) this evening and were recognized for their important work as mentors of professional immigrants in Toronto.

"We want to ensure the talented people we attract to our city have the opportunity to get meaningful work. That's why we are focused on breaking down barriers skilled immigrants face and providing more opportunities to get a job that is right for them," said Mayor John Tory. "This program will make a difference in the lives of many newcomers who will, in turn, greatly contribute to the success of our city." 

The Profession to Profession Mentoring Immigrants Program is a collaboration with the Mentoring Partnership, a TRIEC program. Fifteen community partners provide employment services and/or bridging programs to skilled immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area, and coach each mentee and mentor throughout their partnership.

"The Toronto Public Service has proudly participated in Profession to Profession since 2004," said City Manager Peter Wallace. "This program supports the City's capacity to serve Toronto's diverse communities and we are committed to continuing to see this program grow."

Members of the Toronto Public Service are matched with skilled immigrants from the same occupation for a four-month period. Mentors support their mentee in understanding the Canadian context of their profession and workplace culture, sharing information about their industry and occupation, and developing their professional networks and job search strategies.

More information about this program is available at http://www.toronto.ca/mentoring-immigrants.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

SOURCE City of Toronto

Media Contact: Chris Fernandes, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5211, [email protected]