Christine Manipon came to Edmonton in July 2016. By August 2017, she got her first job with the Government of Alberta. I asked her what job she did before working for the Government of Alberta. Christine said she was a volunteer for Bredin Centre for Learning, and still does that today. “I volunteer everywhere,” Christine told Diversity Magazine at Santa Maria Goretti Centre.
Hamrita shared her story in one of the videos of moving to Canada from Mauritius. Many newcomers have to overcome many barriers upon arrival in Canada. You must be thinking of your own journey to Canada. Hamed left a good job in his home for a bigger dream in Canada. Barriers in getting a license, the economic recession, language, and starting a new life in Canada crashed the dream for Hamed and his wife. They spent a year without a job and their savings ran out.
On March 28, 2018, at the Santa Maria Goretti Centre in Edmonton, six immigrants, clients of Bredin Centre for Learning, shared their digital stories. Prepared by a diverse group of newcomers, who shared their impressions, and feelings about their new home, Canada. Bredin Centre for Learning who organized the event also used the opportunity to recognize employer partners who have embraced diversity and workplace inclusion. “The stories are very inspiring,” MLA Dennis Woolard told the audience.
Patricia McLaughlin from the Edmonton Catholic Schools, one of the employers, shared that since the students are diverse, so too should be the school staff that they work with. “We are all immigrants,” Patricia added.
“We wanted to have an opportunity for clients to share their personal journey, their hardships, struggles…,” Debbie Green, CPA, Chief Executive Officer for Bredin Centre for Learning.
“We are always looking for good people no matter where they came from. We have to love people to be in this industry,” Carrie Dann, Zone Manager, London Drugs shared with Diversity Magazine at the end of the event.
Mez Irani came to Canada in 2006. He got his first job with Scotia Bank and he has since risen to a Branch Manager. “We try to recruit from the community that supports us,” Mez testifies to Diversity Magazine, Scotia Bank’s dedication to immigrants.
