In this blog, we welcome our new employer partner Loblaw Companies Limited with TRIEC Mentoring Partnership. Loblaw is Canada’s food and pharmacy leader, and the nation’s largest retailer. Their stores include Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharmaprix, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, T&T and more, and they have iconic consumer brands such as President’s Choice, no name, Life Brand and Joe Fresh. With more than 2,400 corporate, franchised and Associate-owned stores, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ close to 200,000 full- and part-time employees, making them one of Canada’s largest private sector employers.
Nelm Khangura, VP – Enterprise Procurement Group of Loblaw Companies Limited, shares why she thinks it’s important for Loblaw to be involved in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership.
Why did you decide to become an employer partner in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership?
We want to extend our hand and welcome new Canadians – not only as a place to shop, but also as a place to make connections. We want to give our colleagues opportunities to make a difference in their communities, and we believe that our vast network of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences are uniquely positioned to help new Canadians navigate employment opportunities.
How do you think the program will help you meet your diversity and inclusion/CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)/Community Engagement goals?
We believe diversity and inclusion is essential for all of us to thrive as individuals and as an organization. The TRIEC Mentorship Partnership is one way we are building diversity and inclusion in the communities we live and work in, while also strengthening our internal culture to make our company an even better place to work.
Do you think that immigration is important for growth in Canada? Why?
Yes, immigration is part of our country’s identity. It’s what built Canada into what it is today. As our world continues to rapidly evolve, immigration will bring in the new skills and perspectives that our country will need to thrive and grow.
The image provided by Loblaw Companies Limited.
What benefits do you think your employees will gain from being mentors?
Our colleagues are eager to make a difference, and they are passionate about diversity and inclusion. They will benefit from this program as much as the mentees. It will give our colleagues a deeper understanding of their communities and customers, and it will broaden their perspectives to help them grow in their own careers. Many colleagues are also immigrants and appreciate the opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge based on the challenges and successes they realized when navigating their own careers.
How will you promote mentoring to your employees?
Through our own internal social media network and our Inclusion Council – a network of colleagues in areas across our business – we will promote TRIEC Mentorship Partnership and find the right people to participate.
What would you say to another organization that is thinking about signing up for TRIEC Mentoring Partnership?
Talking about the importance of diversity and inclusion is great, but taking action is what creates positive change. This program is just one tangible way that organizations can take action. It is good for Canada and for business when we can work together to ensure that we leverage the talents of new immigrants and enable them to contribute to their fullest potential. Many employees in our workforce are immigrants themselves and appreciate the commitment our organization has made to helping immigrant professionals achieve their employment objectives.
If your organization would like to become an employer partner with TRIEC Mentoring Partnership, please visit our Employer Partner page to find out more about what it involves, or email us to set up a time to talk – inquiries@triec.ca.