Formally established in 2008, the Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring immigrants are welcomed and encouraged to participate in the economy to their fullest potential. Foreign-trained, experienced professionals now making the Edmonton region their home want to contribute their skills to our economy, but many lack the local knowledge needed for a successful job search. ERIEC provides a unique and effective bridge between employers’ labour needs and globally-trained new residents so that these new residents can work to their full potential.
Doug holds a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Victoria and certificates in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo and Executive Leadership from the University of Alberta.
Mission Integrate skilled immigrants into our labour market at a level that utilizes their skills, training, experience and education.ERIEC believes that bringing employers and skilled immigrants together is critical to challenging employment issues and barriers and that it will help to build bridges within the Edmonton region. One of ERIEC’s key approaches is to align and work with a broad cross-section of community stakeholders.
This mission is carried out by providing programs that:
- Increase employers’ awareness of the economic advantages of hiring immigrants;
- Help skilled immigrants understand the Alberta work environment and increase their readiness for employment;
- Augment the efforts of other stakeholders working to increase the employability of immigrants; and
- Are designed to meet employers’ needs for a skilled workforce.
ERIEC through Doug’s leadership created outstanding connections to professional and skilled immigrants resulting to increased confidence and opportunities which eventually resulted in meaningful employment. Moreover, ERIEC’s programs and services benefit the Edmonton business community through:
- Access to the local professional immigrant talent here in Edmonton
- Increased awareness of your own organization and industry
- Building a network for people by helping them succeed in Alberta
- Making Edmonton a more welcoming and diverse community!
Number of Clients Served
- Over 150 employers served and have engaged with our programs (2009-2019)
- Over 4200 employees have been served or referred to other services (2009-2019)
- Over 800 mentor/mentees Career Mentorship relationships in the Edmonton Region (2009-2019)
- Over 1200 mentor/mentees in Speed Career Networking/Smart Connection events/Connector Program
- Over 1200 participants have attended 9 Annual Global Talent Conferences
Doug is also a founding and current board member of the Edmonton Business Diversity Network (EBDN) and the current Chair of the Work Force Development Committee with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.Doug’s commitment to diversity and inclusion for Edmonton and Alberta is remarkable as he advocates and continues to participate in the planning and implementation of initiatives that would make Edmonton and the province of Alberta a more welcoming and diverse place to live and work
