On July 9, ActionDignity welcomed community leaders, researchers, partners, and community members to our Social Inclusion & Economic Empowerment (SIEEP) Knowledge Mobilization Event, where we officially released our new Community-Based Participatory Action Research report, Beyond Survival: Unlocking Newcomers’ Skills, Talent, and Economic Potential.
The event brought together diverse voices to discuss one of the most persistent barriers facing internationally trained professionals in Canada: the non-recognition of foreign credentials and the continued requirement for Canadian work experience. Participants explored how these systemic barriers not only limit employment opportunities for skilled newcomers but also affect families, communities, and Canada’s ability to address ongoing labour shortages and maximize the economic potential of its diverse workforce.
The report is the result of a collaborative Community-Based Participatory Action Research initiative that placed community voices and lived experiences at the centre of the research process. Throughout the event, attendees learned about the study’s key findings and recommendations, while engaging in meaningful discussions on how employers, policymakers, regulatory bodies, and community organizations can work together to create more equitable pathways to professional employment.
ActionDignity extends its sincere gratitude to our six community partner organizations, whose leadership in community outreach, participant engagement, and knowledge sharing was instrumental to the success of this research:
- Habesha United Sports & Cultural Society
- Calgary Single Mothers Society
- Afghan Canadian Women for Global Cooperation
- Canadian Centre for Integrated Health and Social Services
- Eritrean Seniors Community Calgary
- Chinar Kashmir Community Foundation
We also gratefully acknowledge the valuable support of Momentum and the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA) for helping amplify the study and connect with participants throughout the research process.
This report represents more than a research milestone—it is a call to action. By recognizing the education, skills, and experience that internationally trained professionals bring, we can build a more inclusive labour market, strengthen our economy, and create opportunities for newcomers to fully contribute to the communities they now call home.
We thank everyone who joined us for this important event and contributed to the conversation. Together, we can continue advancing equitable systems that unlock the full potential of newcomers and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Read the full report: https://actiondignity.org/publication/beyond-survival-unlocking-newcomers-skills-talent-and-economic-potential/