EDC recognized as one of best workplaces for new Canadians

OTTAWA, April 8 /CNW Telbec/ - Export Development Canada (EDC) was recognized today as one of the Best Employers for New Canadians by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the Toronto-based form which sponsors the competition.

Mediacorp selected the winners based on application data from the annual Canada's Top 100 Employers competition. EDC has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers nine years in a row.

"The variety of experiences and cultures that our employees bring to EDC helps advance our global efforts, and also brings greater value to our customers by enhancing the links and relationships with markets of interest to Canadian companies," said Eric Siegel, President and CEO, EDC. "EDC believes that a work environment that promotes and celebrates our diversity is not only socially conscious, but a commercial advantage."

The Best Employers for New Canadians competition, now entering its fourth year, recognizes employers from across Canada that are doing the most to assist new Canadians in making the transition to a new workplace and a new life in Canada.

In its submission to Canada's Top 100 Employers, EDC included a detailed review of the programs it offers to assist employees who are recent immigrants to Canada. In addition, EDC outlined a number of steps taken to reduce employment barriers for recent immigrants. It also provided information about its "onboarding" programs, such as internal coaching and mentoring, which help new employees better understand the Canadian workplace environment.

"We are extremely honoured to have EDC recognized as a company that creates a workplace where people from all backgrounds can grow and succeed," said Susanne Laperle, Senior Vice-President, Human Resources and Corporate Services. "We are committed to continue working towards our goal of becoming a diversity leader in Canada and the employer of choice for talented new Canadians."

The complete list of successful employers will appear in a special feature in The Globe and Mail and online at Eluta.ca on April 8, 2010.

The award ceremony will be held at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto on April 28, 2010.

EDC is Canada's export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC's knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 8,400 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining, a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis, and has been recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for nine consecutive years.

For further information: Media contacts: Phil Taylor, Export Development Canada, Tel: [phone], Blackberry: [email protected]