b'IMMIGRATIONHARNESSING THE WEALTH OFREFUGEE TALENTBy Matthew BradfordBusinesses in Canada are waking up to thepotential talent pool found in the global refugee communityA t last count, nearly 26 millionThere used to be this connotation thatUNTAPPED POTENTIALpeople worldwide have beenrefugees may not have the skill levelThe global refugee population is home displaced from their homesto fill labour demands because theyreto a wealth of skills. The key is finding as a result of conflict or perse- not trained or dont have PhDs, butaccessible and effective pathways to cution. This is according tothats simply not the case, says Howardemployment. For its part, the Government the Office of the United Nations HighGreenberg, co-founder of Greenbergof Canada launched an Economic Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),Hameed PC. A lot of these individualsMobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) in April which states that humanity is witnessingare skilled or willing to learn new skills2018 with the goal of identifying candi-the highest level of displacement quickly, so if you can tap into that ambi- dates in the Middle East and East Africa on record.tion and give them a chance, youll havewho meet skills needs in Canada and the a productive individual in your businessrequirements of an economic immigration The numbers are dire, and yet thiswho has a strong desire to be successfulprogram such as the Provincial Nominee growing refugee population is also homeand build a better life in Canada. Program (PNP) or the federal Atlantic to a wealth of skilled, ambitious and hard- Immigration Pilot (AIP).To me, refugees are no different than working individuals who could play a keystudents who are trained and eager toSeveral Canadian and global non-profits role in filling labour gapsif given theget into the marketplace, but just need anare supporting this effort. CERCs charity opportunities and support.opportunity, he adds. partner Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB),Winter 2021PERSPECTIVES19'