WRIEN moves forward with Front Line Service Provider EXPO

Kitchener – On April 31, 2008, the Waterloo Region Immigrant Employment Network (WRIEN) and its partners hosted over 151 front line service providers from over 20 local and government agencies that assist and support immigrants in their efforts to find employment and integrate into the community.

The event was part of WRIEN’s strategy to enhance Waterloo Region’s image as a welcoming community to internationally trained professionals. Statistics Canada indicates that by 2011, 100% of Canada’s net workforce growth will come from immigration. This creates a situation where competition for the best global talent will intensify.

The Front Line Service Provider EXPO was initiated by WRIEN’s Qualifications Recognition and Enhancement and Immigrant Support Groups to promote individuals charged with the responsibility of providing programs and services to immigrants having accurate and up to date information.

Much has changed relative to the delivery of immigrant based services since the signing of the Federal Provincial Immigration Agreement in 2007 – this event attempts to proactively address keeping up with change and providing the best possible services to new Canadians.

The EXPO format included four basic elements:

1. Presentations from 7 agencies involved with immigrant employment
2. A selection of 25 booths from local and government agencies to distribute the latest program information and answer service provider questions
3. Lunch and dinner time networking to enhance collaboration and effective service delivery
4. Distribution of a Programs and Services Binder designed to be an attendee take away to be used for future reference.

WRIEN is a community initiative, formed in 2006 and comprised of cross sectoral partners, hosted by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, to assist and support employers in attracting, hiring, integrating and retaining internationally trained professionals to meet their workforce needs. For more information about WRIEN visit www.wrien.com