The Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund is helping newcomers navigate credential recognition and build meaningful careers in Canada.

Success is often measured in numbers: how many people participated, the economic impact, or the percentage growth achieved. Metrics like these help determine whether something works.

Metrics are important, but numbers alone don’t tell the full story. What is often lost in the data are the voices of the people behind it. Did they find the program helpful? Did it change their lives? Lived experience is increasingly recognized as a fundamental measure of success.

So, what are people saying about the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund (AICLF), an Atlantic-wide foreign credential recognition program administered by the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)? The feedback speaks powerfully to its impact.

Real support for newcomers

One health care professional shared, “My husband and I received support from AICLF in 2023, and it has been an essential step in allowing us to continue growing as health care professionals here in Canada.” Another client noted, “I’m truly grateful for the help that AICLF has provided in my pursuit of a more suitable career.”A third summed it up simply: “I am forever grateful for the opportunity.” Many others express similar feelings of gratitude and renewed possibility.

The AICLF is a federally funded program designed to help internationally trained immigrants overcome financial barriers encountered when seeking credential recognition in Canada. Many newcomers hope to continue working in the professions they held before immigrating but encounter complex and costly requirements, including examinations, licensing fees, additional coursework, and recertification. These steps often create significant financial obstacles. Through the AICLF, permanent residents and Canadian citizens born outside Canada can access microloans to help cover these costs.

“Being an immigrant, I confronted numerous financial barriers and uncertainties while pursuing my dream career in accounting. This fund came to my rescue, providing the vital financial support necessary to cover tuition fees, exam expenses, and study materials.”

Turning support into success

Jay Lapitan’s story highlights the program’s real-world impact. While living in Fredericton, N.B., Jay began working toward his Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. He was introduced to the AICLF through the Multicultural Association of Fredericton, one of ISANS’s partner organizations.

“The AICLF was an absolute turning point in my journey toward achieving my CPA designation in Canada,” Jay says. “Being an immigrant, I confronted numerous financial barriers and uncertainties while pursuing my dream career in accounting. This fund came to my rescue, providing the vital financial support necessary to cover tuition fees, exam expenses, and study materials.”

Today, Jay is a practising CPA working in B.C. Although his career has taken him beyond the Atlantic region, he continues to credit the AICLF as a pivotal part of his success. For him, the program provided more than financial assistance — it opened doors and created opportunities that shaped his future in Canada.

AICLF microloans can be used for professional registration and licensing exam fees, training and tuition, travel and accommodations, books and study materials, and work tools or equipment. Delivered through the Royal Bank of Canada, the loans feature low interest rates, flexible repayment options, and flexible eligibility for those with limited credit history. For many newcomers, the AICLF represents not just a loan, but a turning point toward meaningful employment and long-term stability.

If the AICLF sounds like the kind of assistance you’ve been looking for, visit its website to learn more and complete the eligibility questionnaire.

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Sometimes, even the simplest words can mean so much. After fleeing war-torn Ukraine, Achēv client Larysa felt lost when she arrived in Canada with her young daughter. When Larysa turned to Achēv for language assessment and employment support, she found so much more.

“I felt lost before meeting Achēv, and then, life changed a lot. I received a new sense of life because I was heard and supported,” she says.

Eventually, Larysa found employment and is building a life for herself and her daughter in Canada, thanks to the support from our caring, professional, and dedicated staff.

At Achēv, creating faster paths to prosperity isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. It’s at the heart of our mission and embedded in everything we deliver for our clients and communities.

Stories like Larysa’s reflect the excellence, commitment, and compassion that our teams bring to their work every day. Across eight locations and online, our staff go above and beyond to help individuals overcome barriers, unlock opportunities, and build meaningful careers in Canada.

Leading employment services across the GTA

While seeking help from Achēv, Larysa accessed our Employment Services. In 2024–25, we partnered with more than 4,000 employers across the GTA to open doors to job opportunities and connect talent with the workforce needs of today and tomorrow. Our employment services support clients at every step of their career journey, providing:

• Personalized job search coaching
• Skills and career training
• Work placements and on-the-job experience
• Job fairs, hiring events, and employer connections
• Support for internationally trained professionals
• Employment services for persons with disabilities

Through our Employment Ontario Services, we offer high-quality, customized, and innovative programs for people of all backgrounds. Our specialized services for persons with disabilities play a key role in reducing barriers to employment. At our locations in Peel and York Region, we support individuals who self-identify as having a disability or who receive ODSP with tailored career coaching, employer introductions, workshops, and resources to help them secure meaningful, sustainable work.

Our holistic approach ensures clients receive the guidance, encouragement, and practical tools they need to find employment that aligns with their goals and strengthens their long-term economic stability.

Learn more about our employment services and register here.

Providing mentoring, knowledge, and tools

Ahmed came to Canada to build a new life for his family. But it wasn’t easy. Despite great credentials and a top education, he struggled for eight months to break into the Canadian job market.

“I had no connections, no networks, and no Canadian experience. I used to apply to hundreds of jobs every single day,” he says.

Ahmed was on the verge of giving up — until he found Achēv. Not only did our staff connect Ahmed to our Employment Services, but also to our Newcomer Information Centre and Language Assessment Services.

He completed our job readiness program and joined an employment mentoring program. We guided him through the settlement and employment process, providing him with the knowledge and tools he needed to secure a job in the financial services sector.

Six weeks after walking through our doors, Ahmed landed his dream job as a project manager at First Canadian Title.

Comprehensive support for newcomers, women, and youth

While employment is at the core of what we do, Achēv is equally proud to have other programs and services to support and meet the diverse needs of newcomers, women, youth, and families across the GTA.

Our wraparound services, including settlement support, language assessment and training, and specialized programs for women and youth, ensure individuals can navigate life in Canada with confidence and build strong foundations for long-term success.

As a national leader in language assessment and training, Achēv also supports newcomers across Canada with innovative online platforms and curriculum development for both provincial and federal governments.

At Achēv, we believe everyone deserves an equal opportunity to build a better life. Whether it’s through employment, settlement, language, or community support, we remain committed to creating faster, more equitable paths to prosperity for the people and communities we proudly serve.

Learn more about our free services and register here.

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When Mustafa Popalzai arrived in Canada as a 14-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, he had little more than hope. Today, the Toronto police Detective Constable is a driving force behind a grassroots initiative to change lives for thousands of newcomers, while helping heal the mistrust many carry from painful encounters with police in their homelands.

The Challenge of Building Trust

For some who have fled conflict, a uniform does not immediately signal safety. While every refugee’s journey is unique, some arrive with a direct lived experience of authority figures being sources of fear rather than protection. This history can create a barrier, making some newcomers hesitant to report crimes or seek help as they navigate a new society. Mustafa’s own path from a refugee to an officer was far from simple. After settling in Ottawa, he earned a master’s degree in legal studies at Carleton University, yet a deep-seated distrust of police remained throughout his youth.

A Catalyst for Action

His perspective shifted only after taking a civilian job with the Ottawa Police Service, where he realized policing in Canada could be different. He joined the Toronto Police Service in 2014, but his mission took on a new urgency in August 2021. When the Taliban returned to power, Mustafa and his police partner, Farzad Ghotbi—also a former refugee—watched videos of desperate people clinging to departing planes in Kabul. Seeing them fall from the sky was a haunting reminder of the life they once fled. They knew they had to act.

Bridging Gaps Through Project Hope

The duo drove to a hotel near Toronto Pearson Airport where newly arrived families were being housed. What began as a visit to check on families wearing only the clothes on their backs turned into Project Hope, a nod to the one thing every refugee carries with them.

“Hope is all we had when we came to Canada,” Mustafa says. “That’s what every newcomer has.”

Using social media, they rallied fellow officers to donate clothes, diapers and baby formula. Today, the initiative supports a global community of newcomers from Syria, Ukraine, Gaza, over a dozen African nations and several Latin American countries, providing mentorship and sessions that explain the role of police in Canada. By showing that an officer can be a partner in their safety, Mustafa is helping to replace old fears with a new foundation of trust.

A Vision for Inclusion

The success of Project Hope demonstrates that when newcomers feel secure, they are better positioned to contribute to their new communities. Mustafa now dreams of scaling the initiative into a national program in every Canadian city.

“Canada is built on newcomers,” he says. “We need a structured, official program in every city—one that connects police with refugee and newcomer communities.”

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We save lives, protect rights and help build better futures.

Visit unhcr.ca to see how you can help refugees and how they contribute to communities that welcome them.

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Immigration brings numerous benefits to Canada. Newcomers start businesses, help to fill labour gaps, and increase consumer spending. Many new Canadians are also highly trained medical professionals with skills that Canada’s healthcare system urgently needs. “Canada’s strength has always come from communities that welcome newcomers,” says Dwayne O’Connor, Executive Director, Mennonite New Life Centre (MNLC), a non-profit organization that supports newcomers through settlement services and employment programs. “When people are supported to rebuild their lives here, they contribute their skills, energy, and ideas back to the communities around them,” he says.

Supporting newcomer transition

MNLC provides targeted support that helps newcomers transition into the workforce and contribute their skills to Canadian communities. By bringing together community engagement and community services, MNLC works with newcomers to ease the integration process, strengthen their voices, and increase social equity. “Newcomers bring extraordinary talent and determination to Canada and our role at MNLC is to help ensure that those skills can thrive here. Every day we see how support at the right moment can change the course of someone’s life,” says O’Connor.

The Mennonite community’s strong sense of concern for refugees and persecuted persons derives from its own history of persecution and forced migration. Based on these values, Ontario Mennonites started sponsoring Vietnamese refugees in the early 1970s. Later they began to look for opportunities to support a new wave of refugees coming from Latin America. In 1983, following a period of research and needs assessment with the Toronto Latin American community, MNLC was founded.

Supporting internationally trained professionals

Originally offering services such as language training, citizenship classes, and career pathways, the MNLC has adapted and expanded its programs over the years in response to diverse and changing needs. One unique program is the Bridge to Registration & Employment in Mental Health (BREM), which supports internationally trained mental health professionals who wish to contribute to addressing mental health service needs. This 12-month program prepares participants to meet the requirements of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and transition to employment in the field. The program includes a part-time option, and participants may enrol in BREM from anywhere in Ontario.

The MNLC offers many opportunities for people to get involved. Learn more about how you can support MNLC as a partner, donor, or volunteer, by visiting: mnlct.org/get-involved

To learn more about BREM or to attend an information session, please visit: mnlct.org/brem

The post Helping Newcomers Succeed and Grow the Canadian Economy  appeared first on HiveInnovates.

For many newcomers, Canada appears as a great place to do business: it is strategically located in the North American market, it is stable, and it offers a high quality of life.

Newcomer entrepreneurs arrive full of ideas and ready to contribute their skills. However, starting, expanding, or even taking over a business in a new country comes with its own set of challenges that add to the usual hurdles of entrepreneurship.

Managing financial constraints

Starting or taking over a business often requires external capital advances. But newcomer entrepreneurs, who have limited financial history in Canada, often struggle to secure financial resources and guidance. Traditional credit assessments typically do not recognize financial records from abroad. Moreover, many other types of support, such as grants and government programs, are often restricted by immigration status.

With limited options, many newcomers end up dipping into their own savings to fund their business. When most of your savings are at stake, the pressure to succeed intensifies. For some, this becomes a significant barrier to entrepreneurship altogether.

Navigating a new regulatory environment

One of newcomer’s entrepreneurs’ biggest disadvantage is their knowledge gap. You don’t know what you don’t know. While every business owner must manoeuvre Canada’s complex regulations, newcomers face the added challenge of navigating a system they’ve never encountered before.

The lack of centralized information, especially around tax and payroll, can lead newcomers to rely on trial and error or hiring professionals to clarify obligations. The result is a steep learning curve that eats up time, money, and adds time and financial pressures during early business stages.

Adapting to a new culture

Every country has its own business culture. In Canada, the business environment is often characterized by slower decision-making and a more cautious and risk-averse approach. This can come as a surprise to newcomer entrepreneurs who are coming from more fast-paced and dynamic business cultures.

Adjusting to this difference usually requires a period of adaptation. Oftentimes, newcomer entrepreneurs turn to their cultural communities for guidance as they learn to navigate the Canadian business landscape.

What we can do

No group in Canada is more eager to become entrepreneurs than newcomers. Our economy needs entrepreneurially driven individuals like newcomer entrepreneurs to boost stagnant levels of productivity and reverse the downturn in business openings that has persisted since Q4 2025.

To help newcomer entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential, policymakers should promote awareness of government programs, create a centralized platform to access resources, simplify regulatory compliance, and enhance customer service.

Financial institutions also have a role to play in supporting newcomer entrepreneurship. They should offer them tailored financial guidance, streamline access to capital, and simplify pre-arrival banking services. Canada is in an entrepreneurial drought. To turn it around, we need to lower the barriers for newcomers who are already here and eager to bring diverse, innovative perspectives to the economy.

To learn more about CFIB, visit cfib.ca.

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Meseret Bekele

Supervisor of Pre-Arrival Services,
Skills for Change

Skills for Change’s pre-arrival program helps immigrants understand the labour market, build networks, and feel job-ready before landing in Canada.

Like so many newcomers, N.R. faced many challenges while preparing to immigrate to Canada from Madagascar, including deciding what city to settle in, finding housing, and searching for a job — all in a country she had never stepped foot in.

With the support of Skills for Change, she was able to feel ready to succeed before even arriving in Canada.

Skills for Change is a national nonprofit organization that has supported immigrants and newcomers across Canada since 1982, through employment programs, settlement services, training, and mentorship. Arrive Ready, its pre-arrival program, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, prepares federally approved immigrants in sectors such as health care, education, trades, and STEM to enter the Canadian labour market.

Insights into job market and job search skills

N.R. went through a needs assessment with her caseworker and completed workshops that covered topics including the Canadian labour market, creating a resume and cover letter, and networking.

“This allowed me to move to a state of confident preparation — a transformation that would have been impossible to achieve independently in the same four-month timeframe,” N.R. says. “The entire program was designed to fit my schedule while I was still outside Canada. The assistance I received was so valuable to me, as the programs answered all my questions about my transition to Canadian life. It gave me foundational knowledge of Canadian culture and the confidence to make decisions and pursue my goal of landing a job upon arrival in Canada.”

Building on its long-standing settlement services, Skills for Change launched its funded pre-arrival program, Arrive Ready in April 2025, becoming one of 16 organizations across Canada providing pre-arrival support to newcomers. This program connects newcomers with resources to support their job search — including mentors in their industry, English improvement classes, potential employers, and professional regulatory agencies.

The pre-arrival program gave me foundational knowledge of Canadian culture and the confidence to make decisions and pursue my goal of landing a job upon arrival in Canada.”

Virtual Pre-Arrival Conference offers networking and insights

On February 19, 2026, Skills for Change hosted its first virtual Arrive Ready Conference, bringing together experts and employers to share insights on Canadian job market trends and workplace expectations. Participants had the chance to hear from panelists, ask questions, and network directly with professionals and service providers who understand their industries.

“They’re coming to a completely new country, and they don’t know what to expect,” says Rasha Mehyar, Senior Manager of Newcomer Services at Skills for Change. “At the conference, they learn about living in Canada and get to talk to employers and hear what’s required in their sectors and in the different regions of the country.”

Meseret Bekele, Supervisor of Pre‑Arrival Services, explains why this work matters. “The goal is to help newcomers be employment-ready by the time they come to Canada. We bridge the gap and create that awareness for them of what it’s like in Canada,” she says. “We reduce the element of surprise as much as we can, so they have a better understanding and can hit the ground running when they arrive.”

Learn more about Skills for Change’s pre-arrival program at skillsforchange.org/arrive-ready.

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Moving to a new country takes courage. Along with excitement and opportunity, it can also bring challenges, such as learning how new systems work, finding a job, helping your children at school, and navigating daily life in Canada.

For many newcomers, improving literacy skills is an important step in building a confident and successful life.

Literacy is often thought of as reading and writing, but it is much more than that. Literacy is the ability to understand information, communicate clearly, and use what you learn in everyday situations. In Canada, literacy skills can help you do things like read a bus schedule, understand a work schedule, fill out forms, communicate with your child’s teacher, or access healthcare services.

Strong literacy skills help people participate more fully in their communities and workplaces. They also build independence and confidence as newcomers settle into life in Canada.

Your skills and experience matter

Many newcomers arrive in Canada with strong education, professional experience and valuable skills. Some are fluent readers and writers in their first language. Others may have had interruptions in schooling due to conflict, poverty or other barriers.

No matter your background, improving literacy skills can help you adapt more easily to life in Canada.

For example, stronger communication skills can help when applying for jobs, completing training programs, understanding workplace safety information, or building professional networks. Literacy skills can also help parents support their children’s learning at school and feel more comfortable communicating with teachers and community organizations.

Learning in a welcoming environment

Across Canada, adult literacy programs offer supportive spaces where newcomers can improve their literacy skills. These programs are designed for adults and recognize that learners come from many different cultural and educational backgrounds.

These programs often provide more than education. They also help people connect with others, reduce feelings of isolation, and build a sense of belonging in a new community. Learning alongside others who are on a similar journey can make the experience encouraging and empowering.

To find a local adult literacy program near you, visit lookunderlearn.ca.

Free resources to support your journey

ABC Life Literacy Canada believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to build the skills they need to reach their goals.

We offer a wide range of free programs and resources that help adults strengthen important life skills, including financial literacy, digital skills, workplace communication, and family learning.

Many of our financial family literacy resources are available in multiple languages, including Arabic, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog and Simplified Chinese. We also provide clear-language materials in English and French to make learning easier and more accessible.

Whether you want to improve your communication skills, better understand finances in Canada or build confidence in everyday tasks, these resources can help support your journey.

To learn more about free literacy programs and resources available to newcomers, visit abclifeliteracy.ca.

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A new wave of modern retirement homes is giving older Canadians the chance to stay healthy, independent, and socially connected. 

When many Canadians think of retirement living, they might picture a quiet, clinical setting that lacks fun and a sense of freedom. But today’s retirement residences are shifting that perception and redefining the idea of what it means to age well. By choosing to live in a modern retirement residence, older Canadians can still enjoy an independent, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle after they downsize.  

Toronto’s Dunfield Retirement Residence provides a vibrant, luxurious all-inclusive lifestyle, including restaurant-style dining, people-centric wellness programs, apartment-style suites, and a full-service spa. Located at Yonge and Eglinton, the Dunfield offers a truly well-rounded approach to healthy aging with its integrated focus on mind, body, and lifestyle. 

Holistic health support beyond the basics 

Dunfield’s commitment to whole-person wellness is at the heart of its programming. Programs are designed to foster an independent lifestyle that allows residents to remain active, socially connected, and healthy for longer.  

Residents have access to personalized fitness programs, nutritional guidance, and 24/7 medical care. Whether it’s a relaxing yoga class, aqua fit in the resistance pool, or one-on-one time with the wellness team, residents are empowered to take control of their health and well-being every day. 

An elevated dining experience is also part of Dunfield’s holistic approach, with three thoughtfully curated menu options daily — each is fully customizable to individual tastes and dietary needs. From casual bites at Albert’s Bistro to dining al fresco on the patio, residents can enjoy a variety of flavours that enhance even the simplest meal. 

Staying connected: Finding belonging and purpose  

At Dunfield, staying connected isn’t just encouraged — it’s part of daily life. Because a key component of healthy aging is social connection, a wide range of enriching experiences are offered to bring residents together. These include cultural outings to Mirvish Theatre and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, along with wine tastings and educational lectures.  

Each year, residents show their support for the community by volunteering with causes close to their heart, such as the Alzheimer’s Walk and leading fundraising efforts in support of the Alzheimer Society of Canada. There are also many resident-run club nights and committees for every interest, including Bridge, movie nights, and the Resident Council. Not only do these social opportunities foster connection, but they also give residents a sense of purpose within the residence.  

Aging in place with confidence  

Although today’s seniors are living longer and more independently than ever before, the Dunfield recognizes that everyone can benefit from a little support.¹ Instead of waiting for a health crisis to prompt a move, many seniors are proactively choosing retirement living as a way to stay ahead of their health, enjoy their freedom, and engage in a fulfilling lifestyle.  

The Dunfield offers a continuum of care, including Assisted Living and Memory Care neighbourhoods, which allow residents to age in place with confidence and dignity. Compassionate staff members provide personalized support if residents need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or medication reminders.  

Healthy aging starts with the right environment. Discover how Dunfield can help you or a loved one embrace this next chapter with confidence, energy, and joy.  

Experience the comfort, care, and elegance of luxury retirement living — schedule your visit today at thedunfield.com/book-a-visit/.  

References:
1. Olshansky SJ. Has the Rate of Human Aging Already Been Modified? Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2015 Dec 1;5(12):a025965. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a025965. 

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The likelihood of developing arthritis increases with age. Half of Canadians over 65 are currently living with some form of joint disease.

While it’s true that arthritis affects people at all stages of life, it puts older adults at risk for serious complications – such as frailty and falling – which can rob them of their autonomy and even shorten their lives.  

Arthritis Research Canada’s scientists are adapting and testing programs and working on policy changes to put older adults in the driver’s seat when managing their arthritis and lowering their risk for complications. Here’s how: 

Get Moving 

In older adults, arthritis often coexists with frailty, including symptoms such as loss of muscle mass, weakness, weight loss, fatigue, and more. Between 40 and 50% of older adults living with osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage – are physically frail. However, regular exercise can help prevent frailty.  

“Our recent study showed that physical activity counselling by a physiotherapist can enable older adults with chronic conditions to stay active,” said Dr. Linda Li, a Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada.  

Dr. Li’s team is adapting the new Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines for older adults at early stages of frailty who are living with chronic conditions like arthritis. These guidelines encourage daily physical activity while balancing appropriate sedentary behaviour and sleep time.  

Prevent Falls  

One in five older adults living in the community falls every year, and 10-15% of these falls result in injuries that require emergency department visits. Falls in older adults also account for 40% of nursing home admissions, which lead to a lack of independent living.  

Physical activity is the most promising strategy for older adults to prevent falls. The Otago Exercise Program, in particular, has been proven to be effective.  

“We know that the Otago Exercise Program works, but only if people do it,” said Dr. Li. “We also know that a lot of older adults who start with this program, for one reason or another, are not able to carry through the prescribed exercise as intended. We want to change this.”  

Arthritis Research Canada’s scientists are developing and testing a new strategy for physiotherapists to better support older adults in continuing with the Otago Exercise Program over time. 

Have Your Say  

Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of joint replacement surgery. More than 100,000 hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed in Canada each year – most to people over 65 living with osteoarthritis. And wait times are long – often exceeding six months.  

To tackle this burden on the health system and improve quality of care for older adults, Arthritis Research Canada’s scientists are considering two policies to address surgical wait times.  

The first is a referral management policy that would give patients information about wait times for different surgeons and allow them to choose their preferred surgeon. The second would offer patients the choice of an evidence-based, conservative medical management program.  

“Our study will look at whether patients would use this alternative program and how this varies based on things like cost,” said Dr. Deborah Marshall, a Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada. “Depending on patient choices, both policies may shorten overall wait times, improve outcomes and reduce costs.”  

To learn more about Arthritis Research Canada’s research and how it is helping people live well with arthritis, visit arthritisresearch.ca/arthritis-research-education-series/.

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Jennifer Crowson

Diversity & Inclusion Specialist,
ODEN

Neal Medeiros

General Manager,
Parian

Supported employment is the key to unlocking the largely untapped talent pool of the millions of Canadian employees with disabilities. 

Many employers assume that hiring someone with a disability will be costly and complicated, and that the employee won’t be able to complete their tasks as effectively as a non-disabled peer. The reality is that most accommodations cost little to nothing, and that not only do employees with disabilities often have higher retention rates and lower absenteeism than their peers, they also bring unique value to the places they work — including dedication, unique perspectives, and stronger team cohesion. 

With 27 per cent of Canadians over the age of 15 having a disability, inclusive hiring is the key to harnessing this often overlooked, untapped talent pool. Supported employment practices and providers can help. 

A person-centred, individualized approach 

Supported employment provides career support for individuals with disabilities — ranging from physical disabilities to non-apparent conditions like mental health challenges, autism, and other developmental disabilities. It helps job seekers find meaningful, fairly compensated work through a collaborative partnership with support people and employers.  

Supported employment isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about finding a good fit — ensuring the employee can use their skills and abilities while also meeting the needs of the business.

“It’s a person-centred approach that helps people to prepare for, obtain, and maintain competitive integrated paid employment,” says Annette Burrows, Board Chair of the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE), a national member organization for the supported employment sector. “This could include on-the-job training, orientation support, and advocacy — ensuring both the job seeker and employer are supported.” 

Support is tailored on a case-by-case basis through this collaborative and holistic approach. Job seekers receive customized support to suit their specific skills and career goals, while employers receive advice and resources to help meet their unique labour needs. 

Bridging the gap between job seekers and employers  

“Supported employment isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about finding a good fit — ensuring the employee can use their skills and abilities while also meeting the needs of the business,” says Burrows. 

Service providers are an essential part of this equation. “Service providers are organizations or professionals funded to deliver supported employment programs,” explains Burrows. “Some service providers focus solely on employment, while others offer a broader range of services, including community inclusion programs and skills development.” 

Service providers play a vital role in bridging the gap between job seekers and employers. They offer job training, workplace accessibility assessments, employer education, and more, helping businesses to create more supportive, inclusive, and accessible environments where employees with disabilities can thrive. 

Making community-wide connections

“Where communities have strong partnerships between schools, employment service providers, and businesses, we see better employment outcomes for young people with disabilities,” says Jennifer Crowson, Disability Employment Inclusion Specialist at the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), a network of employment service providers in Ontario.  

Both ODEN and CASE help to connect job seekers and businesses with service providers across Ontario and Canada, respectively. CASE’s membership program helps employers to elevate their supported employment practice, including accelerating professional development, strengthening their networks, connecting with like-minded peers, and more. ODEN programs include the Youth Success Strategy — which is funded by CASE and led by Crowson — to promote early exposure to work for youth with developmental disabilities, enhancing access to employment, building sector-specific career pathways, and increasing awareness among families and educators to support youth in pursuing employment as the gold standard for social inclusion. 

Building stronger communities

These supported employment networks and connections have undeniable impact. They provide opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute and thrive, and have proven business benefits — from increasing innovation and employee retention to improving workplace morale to boosting the bottom line. 

They also create a business advantage by increasing customer loyalty. “Fifty-three per cent of Canadians have a direct connection to someone with a disability, and many of us, as consumers, would prefer to support businesses that we know are inclusive employers,” says Crowson. 

For Neal Medeiros, General Manager of Parian Logistics, a Winnipeg-based distribution centre for retailers, supported employment has been transformative. “About 20 per cent of my staff identify with a disability,” he says. “It’s been a wonderful experience, not only for the employee, but for the employer, for the community, for everyone.” 

 Medeiros recalls a disabled employee who started as a picker and is now training new hires. “When given the right opportunity, people excel,” he says. 

Job seekers and employers can find resources for support — including toolkits, training, and a directory of service providers — on CASE’s website. 

Learn how a service provider can help your career today. Find a service provider near you at supportedemployment.ca.

The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.

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