“….about a hundred percent of labour force growth within the next decade is going to come from immigration…..we want to see better credential recognition…..,” Ruhee Ismail-Teja, Director, Policy and Communications, at Calgary Chamber of Commerce, summarizes the recommendations of “Unlocking our Talent Potential” to Diversity Magazine, at the Hotel Arts in Calgary, on November 30.
Calgary Chamber of Commerce Recommends the City Steps Up its Brand to Reflect its Diversity.
This year, Alberta population experienced a historic growth, supported by record levels of international migration and very strong interprovincial migration. According to Statistics Canada, Alberta added 58,203 residents between the beginning of July and the end of September in 2022.
On November 22, 2022, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce releases the final iteration of its four-part series, “Unlocking our Talent Potential” – Strengthening Calgary’s reputation and brand, which calls for the revamping of the city and provincial brand to attract talent and investment globally. “Unlocking our Talent Potential” provides policy recommendations and tangible solutions to address the city’s talent-related challenges.
Calgary Chamber convened a policy council with thought leaders from businesses across several sectors, post-secondary institutions, childcare providers, immigration law firms, recruitment firms, professional services, and small business owners. They spoke directly with young Calgarians and, consulted local businesses. Bringing together a diversity of participants ensured that the recommendations reflect the diversity of Calgary’s business community and work towards a more equitable and just economy and society. One of the recommendations contained in “Unlocking our Talent Potential” encourages Calgary to step up its brand and reputation to reflect the diversity of people and economy.
Here is the summary of the four parts of “Unlocking our Talent Potential”
PART 1
Refining immigration policies to grow talent pool. They envision a diverse Calgary that attracts global talent from all backgrounds, enabling the city and businesses to have the people needed to thrive in the economy of today and tomorrow.
PART 2
Building an inclusive and values-driven workforce. To attract and retain talent in a competitive labour market, Calgary must demonstrate leadership in inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility– from childcare to mental health.
PART 3
Investing in people, culture, and infrastructure. Calgary must invest in its people, culture, and infrastructure to create a Calgary that is a magnet for talent, known for its quality of life, cultural scene, young energy, and vibrancy.
PART 4
Strengthening its brand and reputation
Calgary’s reputation and brand significantly impacts its ability to attract new talent and investment. Its brand must reflect the diversity of its people and industries, and highlight the Calgary of today and tomorrow.
In our next articles, we will be taking a closer look at each of the four parts of “Unlocking our Talent Potential” with the recommendations that it brings to light.
If your organization is doing work or planning to do work on equity, diversify, and inclusion, we want to hear from you through Diversity Awards, coming up on April 28, in Red Deer. Check it out right here https://diversitymag.ca/staging/diversity-awards-2023/
