In a promising turn of events for internationally trained immigrants in Canada, Ontario is making waves by taking significant steps to address a longstanding issue – the requirement of Canadian work experience in job postings and application forms. This development, introduced in November and currently under review by a standing committee after a second reading in the Ontario legislature, has the potential to reshape the employment landscape for newcomers across the country.

Sirajus Salekin’s story mirrors the challenges many immigrants face when attempting to secure employment that aligns with their qualifications and experience. Despite holding an impressive educational background and a decade of work experience in electrical engineering, Salekin found himself in a Catch-22 situation upon arriving in Nova Scotia in 2021. The elusive Canadian work experience, often seen as a prerequisite, became a roadblock to realizing his professional aspirations.

Ontario’s proposed legislation seeks to dismantle this barrier by eliminating the mandatory requirement of Canadian work experience in job postings. This move is driven by the belief that individuals with the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities should be given a fair chance to showcase their potential, regardless of where they gained their experience.

The initiative, if passed, aims not only to open doors for skilled immigrants but also to address the ongoing labor shortage by facilitating the entry of qualified individuals into well-paying and rewarding careers.

Ontario’s proactive approach has garnered attention nationwide, with other provinces considering it as a potential template. Nova Scotia, for instance, is closely monitoring the impact of the legislation, recognizing the potential benefits it could bring to immigrants like Salekin.

The proposed changes in Ontario have received support from various quarters, including Madeleine Nerenberg of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Nerenberg emphasizes that the requirement for Canadian work experience often serves as a proxy for racism and xenophobia, and applauds the government for addressing this issue head-on. However, she also cautions that simply barring employers from using specific language in job postings may not be sufficient to generate the desired outcomes.

Rebecca MacDonald, a team lead for international student retention in Cape Breton, echoes similar sentiments, highlighting the unconscious biases rooted in structural racism that hinder immigrants from showcasing their skills and experiences from their home countries.

Sirajus Salekin himself believes that a move similar to Ontario’s in Nova Scotia could contribute significantly to alleviating staff shortages in various sectors.

As we applaud the progressive steps taken by Ontario to break down barriers for immigrants, it’s worth noting that companies like Directpath Canada have long been at the forefront of supporting global talent. Recognized for excellence in providing Global Recruitment, Immigration, and Settlement Services, Directpath Canada is committed to helping individuals like Sirajus Salekin navigate the complexities of the Canadian job market. Learn more about how we can assist you on your journey.

[Note: Information for this blog was sourced from a CBC News article by Vernon Ramesar, published on January 28, 2024.]