With funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) through its Settlement Delivery Improvement (SDI) Call for Proposals, Tourism HR Canada, in partnership with the Hotel Association of Canada, launched a three-year pilot initiative (2018-2021) to test a model that aims to employ newcomers* in stable, good paying hotel jobs. The program model was designed to serve the needs of unemployed and underemployed newcomers as well those of employers** in the hospitality sector who are unable to attract and retain a sufficient labour pool to meet their business needs. Employment may be in frontline, supervisory or executive positions. Examples of jobs include housekeeping room attendant, cleaner, groundskeeper, food and beverage server, cook, front desk agent, event manager, accountant / bookkeeper, security guard, and director of banquet services.
The four strategic project aims are:
- Contribute to the increase of well-paid, stable jobs for newcomers
- Test a sustainable, systemic, and scalable program model
- Improve human capital practices
- Strengthen partnerships and build capacity
Branded as Destination Employment, the project is delivered by THRC’s partner network in five regions: Atlantic Canada (coordinated out of Halifax), Alberta (coordinated out of Calgary and Edmonton), northern Canada (coordinated out of the Yukon), Ontario (coordinated out of Toronto), and Saskatchewan (coordinated out of Saskatoon). Across all regions, the program has attracted over 1000 newcomer participants and 70 employers to date. The five regional delivery partners defined the region where program services would best serve the needs and build capacity. Each partner works within a flexible program model with standardized tools and activities to ensure interested newcomers are assessed for language and skill level, receive pre-employment training, can access job opportunities and are supported with additional training/mentorship as needed once employed. They also market the program to employers, assess the suitability of each interested employer and support them to ensure they can offer a welcoming workplace to any newcomer they choose to hire through the program.
The third and the final year of project funding began April 1, 2020, a few short weeks after disruptive COVID-19 controls were put in place and travel restrictions caused an immediate and sustained impact on accommodation businesses. As a result, THRC and HAC connected with the Destination Employment partners to explore and move ahead on program adjustments that will impact delivery and targets in Year 3.
