National Adult Literacy Database

This report outlines an initiative designed to address the barriers that affect the integration of immigrants into the Canadian labour market. It was undertaken by the Canadian Coalition of Community-Based Employability Training (CCCBET), a non-governmental organization made up of representatives of provincially chartered training associations.

The initiative included a survey administered to nine sector councils and 10 agencies that serve immigrants; a meeting in Ottawa, Ontario, in September 2005; and follow-up interviews.

Survey respondents reported that the top three barriers were language skills; recognition of foreign work experience and credentials; and lack of Canadian work experience. However, during the meeting, it was decided that “relevant work experience” was a more accurate and less discriminatory term than “Canadian” experience specifically.

Follow-up interviews after the meeting showed that a number of participants had formed partnerships and had shared information about the issue.