This panel discussion will offer key insights from research and practice on engaging employers in a variety of immigration programs across Canada. These insights will include results from the service delivery improvement project Engaging SMEs: National Business Networks and Local Design Perspectives, in which six partner organizations tested prototypes to improve the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to acquire talent and retain immigrant newcomers.

Participants will also hear about employer engagement in the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), skilled pathways for refugees, and grassroots employer service programs.

Panelists will reflect on innovative ways to engage employers and critical lessons learned. Attendees will learn how to better address employers' distinctive challenges, needs, and barriers in accessing, hiring, and retaining newcomer immigrant talent.