Human Capital Strategies (HCS) invites Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce members to participate in a focus group Feb. 7 to provide input on the hiring and integration of the immigrant population into the workplace and to help support a strong labour market in BC.

While immigrants are a key contributor to labour force growth in BC, evidence suggests they are underutilized in our labour market. As a result, the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC) has engaged HCS to conduct focus groups with employers in key BC communities to collect input that will inform new or updated federal and provincial government policy and programs.

The consultation aims to:

1. Confirm (real and perceived) barriers to the immigrant hiring process experienced by BC employers and their level of interest in hiring immigrants.

2. Identify employer recruitment, hiring and retention best practices, and provide examples of successful initiatives with the potential for expansion.

3. Determine and describe tools and supports, beyond what is currently available, required by employers to fully engage in the successful implementation of immigrant hiring initiatives.

4. Obtain specific employer suggestions for changes to existing and proposed new public policies and programs.

HCS is looking for eight to 12 volunteers to participate and will provide a $100 honorarium to participants. Please join us to share your experiences and recommendations.

The HCS focus group will take place from 7:30 – 10 am, Feb. 7 at the Best Western Courtenay Convention Centre.

A complimentary breakfast and coffee will be served.

Registration is required. Contact Victoria Pazukha at 604-808-0431 or victoria@career-mobility.com.