Understanding the barriers of hiring newcomer talent requires more than occasional ad hoc conversations. It calls for a strategic, intentional approach, grounded in direct employer insight. As talent shortages intensify across Canadian industries, the need for employers to share their perspectives has become increasingly clear.
YEG Connect, an Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) project and part of the national Immigrant Employment Councils of Canada (IECC) network, was created to amplify employers' voices. The initiative is grounded in the belief that employer insights are essential to shaping practical solutions to address hiring bottlenecks and to turn shared frustration into action. YEG Connect aims to use employer insights to provide the resources and advocacy needed to simplify the process of hiring newcomers and internationally trained professionals in the Edmonton region.
Our four key sectors of focus are technology, manufacturing, construction, and care economy.
In September 2025, we began our process with the technology sector, which involved a series of intentional discussions with tech employers and stakeholders in the Edmonton area. Through two sector forums and a solutions council, employers shared their real hiring integration challenges, discussed the sector challenge clusters that have emerged, explored practical pathways to move ideas forward in practice, and provided feedback on proposed solutions.
This first cycle also led to the development of YEG Quick Connects, which provides easy-to-read, research-based resources inspired by conversations with employers and built to assist them in moments of uncertainty during the hiring process.
YEG Connect looks forward to collaborating with more employers and continuing to generate fresh insights and resources as we move into the next sector. We look forward to continue streamlining hiring, supporting employers, and creating inclusive pathways for newcomers, ultimately building a more diverse and resilient Canadian workforce.
Insights and conclusions from YEG Connect’s process with each sector will be shared with the IECC's National Employer Feedback Forum project team, and the Edmonton immigrant talent ecosystem via social media. Follow our progress on LinkedIn.
YEG Connect, led by the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) is part of a national coalition of Immigrant Employment Councils, working together to simplify and strengthen the process of hiring newcomers and internationally trained professionals. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, YEG Connect aims to make it easier for employers to recruit the skills, experience, and diverse perspectives of immigrants while helping build a more inclusive Canadian workforce. We also thank the Government of Alberta for funding our regional hub.
