b'SKILLED MIGRATIONmembers, communities and the economy. Canadas Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) is one such pathway. Beyond this, TBB leverages its growing candidateTalent Beyond Boundaries is helping over 1,100 and partner networks to share its learn-ings, enabling more people to access itsdisplaced people and their families access Canadas employment pathways and replicateTBB\'s success.Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)MAKING PATHWAYS TBB is a familiar name at CERC events, where money raised from various memberdecision to approve a six-month extensiontically, initiatives like the EMPP provide events and fundraisers is directed towardof the program and to honour the commit- an opportunity to connect them with supporting the organization as CERCsment made in December 2023 to makethe skilled individuals they are looking charity of choice. Throughout the years,it permanent by the end of 2025. Thisfor from the refugee community. "That\'s TBB has also joined CERC\'s events toextension allows TBB and its partners share news of its progress.to continue placing skilled refugees withwhere TBB comes in; making those job Canadian employers while advocatingmatches and connections is a real value-There is plenty to share. For example,for the program to become permanent.add for both sides," notes Dyer.TBB has been actively building and"We were very pleased when the exten-supporting take-up of the EMPP, whichCONNECTING focuses on linking displaced individualssion came through," says Dyer. "WeTBB\'s relationship with CERC extends with Canadian employers. In particular,look forward to working closely with thebeyond fundraising. Through CERC TBB is working with employers outsidedepartment on the design of the perma-of larger cities like Toronto, Vancouvernent program." events and networking, Dyer and her and Montreal, i.e., smaller cities wherecolleagues collaborate with CERC immigration programs aren\'t adequatelyThe organization is currently overseeingmembers to forge new opportunities meeting labour needs.similar pilots globally. As in Canada, itsand support for Canadian refugees. For focus is on working with governmentsexample, TBB currently collaborates with "Through the EMPP, we\'re able to shareto transition the pilots into permanentCERC member Welcome Home, which our immigration expertise with employers,programs based on lessons learned andprovides support to TBB candidates in municipalities, and economic developmentbest practices that are emerging. finding rental housing and accessing basic organizations like the local chambers of"It is a challenging immigration environ- services (e.g., banking, health coverage) to commerce to make connections betweenment right now," Dyer says. "But researchhelp them settle into their new lives. their communities needs and the talent onsuggests people are supportive of immigra-our end who are ready to fill those vacan- tion when its linked to labour needs andIt is an evolving relationship. At the cies," says Dyer. thats what TBB does. Lots of countriesupcoming 2025 CERC Conference, TBB Dyer reports that TBBs work is espe- are looking at solutions, and while we willis launching an award for CERC members cially impactful in sectors experiencingalways need humanitarian pathways aswho have demonstrated exceptional work acute labour shortages, like constructionwell, theres an opportunity here to usewith the organization. CERCs Global and healthcare. We have great health- innovative, employment-based pathwaysAwareness Committee is also in the care employers in cities like Toronto andthat help more people move and restartprocess of recruiting a team of CERC Thunder Bay who have been hiring atheir careers."Community Ambassadors who can number of cohorts with us, she says. It\'s a win-win situation, Dyer continues.provide a warm welcome to candidates at The EMPP has shown great potential.With companies all over the globe statingthe airport and collect gently used house-TBB welcomed the federal governmentsthey can\'t find the talent they need domes- hold items for them. As Dyer explains: "We\'re grateful for the committees willingness to find volunteers from the membership who can help with MAKING PATHWAYS IN CANADA everything from getting TBB alumni settled in temporary accommodation, making sure their fridge has a couple of Talent Beyond Boundaries is helping over 1,100 displaced people and their familiesdays of groceries, getting them set up with access Canadas Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). Among them, 305 havegently used furniture or helping their chil-secured job offers, and 194 have been accepted through the No Job Offer stream.dren with school supplies."Already, 200 people have arrived in Canada from countries like Lebanon, Trkiye,Dyer says TBB is encouraged by their Jordan, Pakistan and Kenya. They include Syrian, Palestinian, Sudanese, Afghanongoing partnership with CERC and the and Congolese refugees working as nurse aides, engineers, developers, welders andopportunities this provides to bring greater construction workers.awareness to its mission: The work were As one newcomer shared: "Now I feel that I\'m a human. I\'m happy, I\'m satisfied withdoing is vitally important for our candi-my job. I\'m starting to feel like it\'s my home." dates, but it also fits nicely with CERCs mission to support talent mobility. Its a great fit both ways. Fall 2025PERSPECTIVES27'