WHAT IS THE REFUGEE
JOBS AGENDA ROUNDTABLE?

Established in 2015, the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable provides a platform for over 150 Canadian employers, employment and immigrant-serving agencies, and government representatives to enhance refugees’ access to meaningful employment that leverages their skills and talents.

Led by co-chairs The Honourable Andrew Cardozo, Rashmi Vohra (TD Bank Group), and Jim Estill (Danby Appliances), and strategically coordinated by World Education Services (WES), the Roundtable is a multi-sectoral network, not a formal organization. It was initially created to support Syrian refugees by implementing practical, employment-focused initiatives in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Since inception, Roundtable members have regularly met to develop initiatives aimed at connecting refugees with employment opportunities that match their skills and talents. The Roundtable depends on its members to identify opportunities, champion specific initiatives, and work toward this shared goal.

the Roundtable is open to members across CANADA.

Join A GROUP OF employers, employment and immigrant serving agencies, and government representatives WHO foster communication, cross-pollination of ideas and a body of best practices.

Roundtable Objectives:

  • Enhance employment outcomes for all refugees new to Canada, with a particular emphasis on Afghan and Ukrainian newcomers.
  • Collaborate with employers, employment and immigrant-serving agencies, and government representatives to gather and share best practices.
  • Facilitate easy access to these best practices across regions and business contexts, including smaller communities and employers.
  • Support capacity-building for refugee entrepreneurs.
  • Guide and assist companies that are committed to hiring refugees.

Meet the Roundtable Chairs

The Honourable Andrew Cardozo

The Honourable Andrew Cardozo is a recognized expert on public policy, a columnist, and an artist. His policy areas of expertise span Canadian government and politics, broadcasting and cultural policy, skills development especially the future of work, multiculturalism, and diversity. He was appointed as a Senator for Ontario by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in November 2022. Cardozo is a member of the Progressive Senate Group and sits on the Senate Transport and Communications and National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs committees.

Prior to becoming a Senator, Cardozo was the President and co-founder of the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy, Executive Director of the Alliance of Sector Councils working on skills development across some 30 economic sectors, and Executive Director of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council, where he worked on policies and legislation in employment equity, immigration, multiculturalism, and the Canadian constitution. Over the past decade he worked to elevate open public policy dialogue by bringing together thought leaders from all political backgrounds, from business, labour, NGOs and the broader public to address the major challenges facing Canadian society.

World Education Services

Strategic Coordination to the Roundtable is provided by World Education Services (WES). WES is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students. For 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people as they seek to achieve their academic and professional goals. Through decades of experience as a leader in global education, WES has developed a wide range of tools to pursue social impact at scale. From evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding, we partner with a diverse set of organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change. Together with its partners, WES enables people to learn, work, and thrive in new places.

The Honourable Ratna Omidvar, C.M., O.Ont. – Former Chair

Ratna Omidvar is an internationally recognized voice on migration, diversity and inclusion. She came to Canada from Iran in 1981 and her own experiences of displacement, integration and citizen engagement have been the foundation of her work. In 2016, she was appointed to the Senate of Canada as an independent senator for Ontario. Senator Omidvar is a member of the Order of Canada, a Member of the Order of Ontario and a recipient of the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Learn more about her work: www.ratnaomidvar.ca