2. BC Immigrant Talent Context
Canada - a Nation of Immigrants
• Immigration has always been a cornerstone of Canada’s response to
the demographic reality of low fertility and aging populations
• Conference Board of Canada has estimated that by 2016 all net
labour market growth in Canada will be from immigration
BC receives about 36,000 new immigrants per year –
many are in the Economic Class
• Highly educated, with advanced English language ability, valuable
skills and experience
• 49% are in the prime working age range of 30 to 49 years old when
they immigrate
• New immigrants to BC are expected to fill one third of job openings
• 1 million+ jobs are expected to open up in BC by the end of this decade
• Even with full participation of the existing population, BC will still
need about 265,000 international workers to meet the projected
labour demand
Introduction
The Immigrant Employment
Council of BC (IEC-BC) held
a Summit on Global Talent
in March 2014 in Vancouver.
Several priority action items
were identified to ensure
that BC continues to attract
and retain the immigrant
talent it needs to meet the
projected skills shortage of
265,000 workers by 2022*.
One of the top
recommendations was
to expand and deepen
engagement with
Professional Immigrant
Networks (PINs), who are
important networks to
connect with, for employers,
government, service
providers and other key
stakeholders. It was further
identified that there is a
role for IEC-BC to work
with PINs, employers and
government to explore
partnerships and tailored
strategies to facilitate
employment opportunities
for PINs members.
* BC Labour
Market Outlook 2022
7975
1069
7623
16,667
CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA
ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PARLIAMENT
2015 Projected Numbers
Economic Immigration to BC
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3. Professional
Overview
In 2012, IEC-BC conducted an environmental scan
of PINs in BC. We found 46 PINs, representing over
9,000 members from seven major occupations and
sectors including engineering, science, technology,
information technology, finance, accounting and
construction. Twenty-two PINs are incorporated
as a non-profit organization. Over two thirds of all
PINs included in the 2012 scan were established
less than 10 years ago.
What are PINs?
PINs are groups of immigrant professionals who
have organized themselves to forge connections
between members, employers and community
agencies – all with the goal of advancing
immigrant employment. PINs in BC are organized
by profession, ethnicity or both. PINs are formal
or informal, volunteer-run, immigrant-led,
with established membership, leadership and
articulated mission and objectives.
Partnerships with post-secondary institutions,
professional associations and immigrant serving
agencies are common. Some PINs have partnered
with private companies to facilitate professional
development and employment opportunities for
their members.
Immigrant Networks (PINs)
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“…. the effectiveness of immigration depends on attracting skilled
immigrants and ensuring they find work that is consistent with their
education and ability. Smart immigration combined with maximizing
potential is a powerful combination.” (Gord Nixon, Former CEO of RBC,
June 2012)
How do PINs Help Members Find
Employment?
PINs leaders are immigrants who have been in
Canada for at least five years and have established
themselves in their professional careers. They
are very committed to helping members secure
employment by offering employment-related
activities that range from providing expert advice,
job leads, skills development, accreditation
workshops, professional development seminars
and volunteering opportunities to members to
gain Canadian experience. Some PINs also deliver
licensing exam preparation classes, organize
industry tours and mentoring programs. PINs also
serve as cultural bridges, making their members
more likely to be successful in BC workplaces.
4. Highlights of 2015
PINs Survey
The online survey was sent to 12 PINs representing
over 4,000 members. The results confirmed that
the PINs membership is a viable talent pool for BC
employers: highly educated, many with advanced
English language skills and willing to relocate.
However, at 32.1%, survey respondents have
a much higher unemployment rate than their
Canadian-born counterparts (5.3%) in the GVRD.
(National Household Study, 2011)
Of the respondents currently employed, 53% are
working in the same or similar field in Canada.
Funded by:
T: 604 629 5364
iecbc.ca
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About IEC-BC
IEC-BC is a provincial non-government
organization that stimulates the integration
of skilled immigrant talent into the province’s
workforce by fostering solutions, building
connections and being a champion to
help employers attract and retain skilled
immigrant talent.
Snapshot of PINs members
• 64% of respondents are in the age range of 30
to 49 years old, compared to 30% of all the
Greater Vancouver Regional District residents
• 63% have advanced English language skills
• 88% have a bachelor’s degree or higher prior
to immigration; 48% have completed some
form of post-secondary education in Canada
• 63% of unemployed would relocate for
opportunities in their field (84%) or a higher
salary (69%)
Labour Market Participation
• 49% employed are in jobs that require
credentials
• 54% have worked or are working in their field
in Canada
• 59% who are not working in their field have
considered an alternative career
• 74% of employed have pursued additional
education in Canada
Participating PINs
1. Association of Filipino Canadian
Accountants
2. Bangladeshi Engineers and Applied
Scientists
3. Filipino Canadian Construction Society
4. Iranian Engineers of British Columbia
Association
5. Latincouver
6. Meetup Vancouver Iranians
7. Philippine Institute of CPAs
8. Society of Canadian Women in Science –
Immigranting Women in Science
9. Society of Iranian Canadian Professionals
10. Society of Punjabi Engineers and
Technologists
11. The Society of Internationally Trained
Engineers of British Columbia
12. University of Philippines Alumni
Association
