Understanding the barriers of hiring newcomer talent requires more than occasional ad hoc conversations. It calls for a strategic and intentional approach informed by direct input from employers. 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 work 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 works directly with employers to identify and develop the resources and advocacy needed to make hiring newcomers and internationally trained professionals easier in the Edmonton region.
After a successful multi-sector pilot in 2024, YEG Connect was funded to explore 4 specific sectors more deeply: technology, manufacturing, construction, and care economy.
In September 2025, we began this work with the technology sector through a series of conversations with tech employers and stakeholders across the Edmonton region. Through two sector forums and a Solutions Council, employers identified real hiring and integration challenges, discussed the key issues emerging across the sector, explored practical ways to move ideas into action, and provided feedback on potential solutions.
This first cycle also led to the development of YEG Quick Connects, which are easy-to-read, research-based resources inspired by employer conversations and designed to help reduce perceived risk and uncertainty as employers navigate workforce challenges.
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.
