Friesens Corporation Honored for Supporting Newcomers in Canada
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Press Release
March 6, 2019 – Altona, MB – Friesens Corporation has been acknowledged by the Government of Canada for its role in aiding newcomers. The company provides essential skills and language training on the job.
Significant Employer Award from IRCC
March 6, 2019 – Altona, MB – The Canadian government celebrated Friesens Corporation for its commitment to integrating newcomers into the workforce. This Altona-based company was among the three recipients of the 2019 Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment.
Friesens collaborates with Winnipeg settlement and employment service providers to recruit newcomers seeking employment. The company offers training to bridge skills gaps for those lacking Canadian work experience.
Each year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, along with Hire Immigrants Ottawa, acknowledges businesses that excel in integrating newcomers into Canada’s workforce. This year’s awardees, including small, medium, and large employers, are recognized for reducing employment barriers for newcomers.
The winners were announced at the 2019 Employer Council of Champions Summit and Awards in Ottawa, which fosters dialogue among business, government, and civic leaders regarding the integration of immigrants and refugees.
Statements
“I am impressed by the initiative that Friesens has taken in ensuring that its newcomer employees feel welcome and have the supports they need to integrate into their life in Canada. Their training programs, coupled with initiatives like working with a local financial institution to develop a mortgage program for newcomer employees, help people make connections in their local community, which is so critical to the integration journey”.
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“We are especially honoured to receive this award as it reflects the importance we place on developing great people. As a large employer located in a small rural community with near-0% unemployment, our newcomer employment strategy is critical to company success. Given our location, we are not only involved in recruitment and onboarding, but also in community integration initiatives related to housing, education, banking, grocery and transportation. These efforts are led by a dedicated human resources team that shows great care for each individual as they pursue success both in the workplace and the community. This is all made possible through great partners like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, Regional Connections Immigration Services, Opportunities for Improvement, and many other local services. We are thankful for these partners”.
– Chad Friesen, Chief Executive Officer of Friesens Corporation
Key Points
- Since 2015, IRCC has been recognizing businesses for aiding newcomer integration into the Canadian workforce through these awards.
- The selection of winners is based on nominations from settlement service providers. Friesens was nominated by Regional Connections Inc.
- Friesens, a medium-sized employer, has co-funded the “English at Work” program, offering English language training for newcomers for over 15 years.
Related Links
Contact Information
Media Inquiries:
Mathieu Genest
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs
What are the Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment?
These awards recognize businesses that excel in helping newcomers integrate into the Canadian workforce.
How are winners selected for these awards?
Winners are chosen based on nominations from settlement service provider organizations.
What initiatives does Friesens Corporation have for newcomers?
Friesens provides on-the-job skills training, English language programs, and community integration efforts.
Note: For more information, Read our immigration guide.
