In today’s global economy, Toronto’s dynamic and diverse workforce stands as one of the region’s greatest strengths. With immigrants making up a significant share of the talent pool, the potential for innovation, creativity, and growth is enormous. However, despite this wealth of skills, many talented immigrant professionals face barriers to fully contributing to our economy. Employers are often reluctant to fully tap into this talent pool, often citing concerns over soft skills and ‘cultural fit’, as shown in TRIEC’s recent research report, “Embracing Immigrant Talent: Perspectives and Practices of Toronto Region Employers.”
But the different experiences and ways of thinking that immigrants bring to the Toronto region are not challenges — they’re opportunities. To successfully leverage immigrant talent for better organizational outcomes, employers need to act more inclusively.
Bridging Cultures, Building Stronger Teams
One of the issues highlighted in the report is the perception among some hiring managers and human resources professionals that even when immigrant candidates have the requisite technical qualifications, they may lack communication, teamwork and adaptability skills. These skills— critical to success in the Canadian job market, — often vary significantly across cultures, creating uncertainty about how well immigrants can integrate into teams and contribute to organizational goals. Additionally, some employers assume that training or coaching to bridge perceived skills gaps is too costly or time-consuming. When employers fail to recognize that soft skills are culturally imbued, experientially learned and can be honed over time, they may overlook immigrant candidates.
The TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program offers a tangible solution to help employers unlock the full potential of immigrant talent. Through TMP, organizations can learn how to tap into a wealth of global perspectives and innovative ideas. TMP pairs 1:1 immigrants (mentees) with seasoned professionals (mentors) in their fields. Because of the two-way relationship, mentoring is an effective way to bridge cultural divides. Mentors provide their mentees with guidance, support, and insights into navigating the Canadian labour market and workplace culture. From mastering communication styles to understanding workplace dynamics, mentees gain the essential soft skills they need to maneuver through interviews to thrive in their careers. Specifically, TMP equips immigrant professionals with the insights they need to navigate cross-cultural dynamics, helping them understand how teams communicate and collaborate, how leadership functions, and how conflicts are resolved in Canadian workplaces. At the same time, mentors build their awareness of immigrant talent. They also enhance their intercultural competency and strengthen their leadership skills. Together, these developments help create inclusive environments that are more resilient and innovative. Mentoring is as equally beneficial to mentors as it is to their mentees.
“TRIEC and the mentoring program fit perfectly into our DEI roadmap. It aligns with our inclusive leadership competencies and allows employees to volunteer their time, gain insights into different cultural backgrounds, and better understand the challenges newcomers face when coming to Canada. It fosters greater empathy and inclusivity.”
—Barb Keenan, Chief People Officer, LCBO
“From a cultural perspective, TMP has broadened our appreciation of different backgrounds, helping us address unconscious bias and build meaningful relationships with newcomers. It’s allowed us to reach deep into an untapped talent pool and unlock new opportunities for creativity and positive change.”
— Janet Boyle, Senior Vice President, Home Equity Finance and Newcomer Strategy, RBC
The result? Stronger, more inclusive teams that are well-positioned to navigate the complexities of today’s diverse workplace—and to lead the way in creating a truly inclusive workforce.
Mentorship: A Strategic Move for Employers
Organizations that actively invest in inclusive practices and immigrant talent development through programs like TMP are better positioned to build diverse leadership pipelines for tomorrow. Mentorship not only enhances soft skills and cultural integration, but it can also empower organizations to thrive in today’s globally competitive landscape.
“TRIEC opened our eyes to the incredible talent entering Canada. It’s not just about finding the right skills—it’s about building relationships that strengthen communities across the country. We need to embrace newcomers and provide the same opportunities we were once given.”
— Tara Tokatly, VP, Solution Engineering, Salesforce
As Toronto continues to grow as a hub for talent and innovation, embracing immigrant professionals through mentorship becomes increasingly crucial for ensuring organizations not only thrive but lead in today’s competitive landscape. Investing in the development of immigrant talent is not just the right thing to do—it’s a powerful engine for long-term growth that benefits businesses and fosters, a resilient high-performing economy.
Are you an employer ready to unlock the potential of immigrant talent with the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program? Find out more here.