The Toronto Refugee Hiring Event, hosted on October 7, 2024, marked a pivotal moment for refugees seeking to connect with the job market and for employers looking to fill critical positions. With over 600 pre-screened refugees and over 20 employers offering nearly 200 job opportunities, the event represented a collaborative initiative between Jumpstart Refugee Talent, WoodGreen Community Services, World Education Services (WES), and the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable. Not only was this event a powerful bridge between job-seeking refugees and employers, but it also highlighted the value of community-led collaboration and inclusivity in strengthening Toronto’s workforce and culture.
Innovative Format and Inspiring Venue
Darrell Pinto, Director of Employment at Jumpstart, described how the event departed from traditional hiring practices by creating a specialized format that provided a more meaningful approach to refugee recruitment. Unlike standard job fairs, this event was tailored to maximize employer-candidate fit, allowing employers to pre-screen candidates based on the specific skills they needed.
“We’re not the lead on this,” Pinto emphasized, underlining the collaborative spirit among all participating agencies. “The event was set up in a modular format with spaces for coaching corners and designated employer areas, making it a more personalized and structured experience.”
The choice of venue, the Ismaili Centre in Toronto, was also praised by Pinto. The venue’s layout allowed organizers to create distinct zones for coaching, interviews, and discussions, making it easier to manage the flow and interaction of candidates and recruiters.
“This space was not only beautiful but also logistically effective, adding value and depth to what we achieved compared to last year’s event,” Pinto shared, underscoring the importance of an optimal environment in achieving a successful turnout and engagement.
Employer Insights: Quality Talent Exceeds Expectations
Aleem Punja, Executive Director of the Future Ready Institute at the Aga Khan Council for Canada, described the importance of hosting the event at the Ismaili Centre, which stands for pluralism and inclusion.
“It’s about ensuring that new Canadians, including refugees, have a fair shot at economic integration and self-sufficiency,” Punja noted. He highlighted the highly skilled nature of the attending candidates, many of whom held advanced degrees. “Events like these show the vast potential in the refugee community. Nearly half of today’s attendees have advanced degrees, and employers are recognizing this talent pool.”
Jumpstart’s Impact: Candidate Perspectives
Mohammad Sumer Ghandour, a Jumpstart client and job candidate at the event, shared his positive experience navigating the interview process. Applying for a position as a business analyst, Ghandour expressed optimism about his prospects, rating his confidence level at 8 out of 10.
“In a standard online application, a resume alone doesn’t capture your international experience or skills. This face-to-face interaction allows you to clarify your experience, making it easier for employers to judge your qualifications accurately.”
Ghandour highlighted the gap between job availability and access for refugees, advocating for more events like these to bridge the gap.
“Many professionals are ready to work but often face hurdles in validating their experience,” he said. “These events provide an ideal setting for candidates to meet with employers and discuss their qualifications directly, which is critical in overcoming the challenges faced in traditional hiring methods.”
Employer’s Perspective: Finding Quality Talent
Anthony Samuel from Bell Canada, one of the attending employers, was impressed by the caliber of candidates he met during the event.
“Everyone we spoke to today showed commitment and the drive we’re looking for,” he noted.
Samuel pointed out that the event’s structure, with candidates pre-screened and categorized by skills, meant that recruiters could efficiently focus on specific job requirements.
“It’s not about pity; it’s about hiring qualified individuals who are eager and prepared for the roles they’re pursuing,” Samuel stressed.
He also encouraged other employers to view refugees not merely as beneficiaries of aid but as skilled contributors who bring unique perspectives and work ethics to the table.
Perspectives from Supporting Organizations
Daniel Cervan-Gil, Associate Director of Employer Initiatives at World Education Services (WES), expressed pride in the event’s impact and noted the strong energy and optimism it fostered among candidates and employers alike.
“It’s heartening to see candidates prepared and excited, and the employers committed to hiring,” Cervan-Gil remarked.
He highlighted a new addition to the event, a “debrief corner,” where candidates could receive feedback on their interviews, helping them refine their approach and gain insights into how they could improve.
Cervan-Gil underscored the importance of scale in organizing such events, noting that collaboration across multiple agencies allowed for greater outreach and impact.
“These multi-agency hiring events are an example of how one plus one can equal more than two,” he observed, adding that WES aims to encourage more agencies and organizations to participate and host similar events nationwide.
Steve Vanderherberg, Vice President of Community Programs at WoodGreen, emphasized the advantages of targeted hiring events for both candidates and employers.
“These events streamline the recruitment process, ensuring that employers meet pre-qualified candidates who are ready to contribute,” Vanderherberg explained.
He acknowledged that while many employers participate in general job fairs, having events specifically geared toward refugees was crucial for fostering inclusivity in the workforce. Vanderherberg also pointed out the significant role the government could play in promoting such events.
“Government funding and support are critical for scaling these efforts and ensuring sustainable partnerships between agencies and employers,” he said.
Additionally, Vanderherberg encouraged employers skeptical of hiring refugees to broaden their perspectives.
“The refugees I meet are among the most resilient, skilled, and dedicated individuals I know,” he shared, adding that integrating them into the workforce would benefit both companies and the broader community.
Sophie Jama Malindi, Director of Tent Canada – a network of over 50 major companies that are committed to hiring refugees across the country and helping them become job-ready – spoke about the broader challenges refugees face in successfully integrating into the Canadian workforce. These challenges include their lack of professional networks and recognition of foreign credentials.
“Many refugees come to Canada with strong qualifications, yet struggle to make connections or get recognized for their skills,” she noted.
Tent Canada provides multinational companies – including Canada Goose, Gap Inc., IKEA, and McDonald’s – with tailored guidance, best practices, trainings, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities to help them address these barriers and set up effective refugee hiring programs.
Malindi pointed out that refugees bring high levels of dedication and resilience to the workplace, which studies show can positively impact workforce retention.
Founder’s Reflections: Jumpstart’s Growth and Future Aspirations
Reflecting on Jumpstart’s journey, Co-founder and Managing Director Mustafa Alio shared a personal account of the organization’s growth from humble beginnings to its current impact.
“We started Jumpstart from a small coffee shop, simply wanting to help those around us,” Mustafa recalled.
Over time, Jumpstart has evolved, growing from a volunteer initiative to an organization employing 40 staff members across four countries. Mustafa, himself a former refugee, conveyed the broader vision of Jumpstart: to reshape the narrative around refugees.
He explained, “Refugees are often seen as a burden rather than as assets. Our role is to shift this perception by showcasing the talent and potential they bring.”
Mustafa emphasized that Jumpstart’s mission isn’t to advocate for special treatment of refugees but to provide equal opportunities for them to prove themselves.
“We want employers to open their doors and simply allow refugees the chance to compete fairly,” Mustafa said, underscoring the importance of breaking down biases and opening pathways for economic mobility.
The Road Ahead for Refugee Employment
The Toronto Refugee Hiring Event illustrated the powerful outcomes that result when community organizations, employers, and government agencies unite to support refugee employment. This year’s event underscored the potential within the refugee community, bringing together individuals with diverse skills and high motivation levels. Through direct interaction, refugees had the chance to showcase their abilities, while employers gained access to a highly skilled, ready-to-work talent pool.
The event’s success highlights the importance of creating a structured yet flexible platform where refugees can connect with employers face-to-face.
As Mustafa Alio remarked, “Refugees are here to contribute; they just need a fair opportunity.”
With continued support from organizations like Jumpstart and partners across the community, the vision of a diverse and inclusive Canadian workforce becomes more attainable.
Incorporating feedback from all sides—candidates, employers, community leaders, and venue providers—this event serves as a model for future efforts, affirming that refugees bring invaluable talent and resilience to Canada’s workforce. The Toronto Refugee Hiring Event reminds us that when we break down barriers and provide opportunities, the benefits extend beyond individual success, enriching the entire community.
Join the Welcoming Economy campaign to help build a stronger, more inclusive workforce by supporting refugee talent. Together, we can empower skilled newcomers and strengthen our communities—get involved today to make a lasting impact!