Transforming Employment Narratives: Refugee Claimants and Equity in the Workplace
Equity + Justice, 2023, Future of Work, Engage in Global Challenges, Make a Difference for B.C.
In today's workplaces, there exists a glaring gap in our understanding and focus on the experiences of refugee claimants. They experience unique employment barriers when trying to establish a new life in Canada, and are often faced with a lack of knowledge and familiarity from employers about their status, strengths and needs. More so, their stories remain largely unexplored in the context of equitable recruitment, hiring, and staff care.
Refugee claimants’ experiences hold valuable lessons to reshape approaches to hiring and employment to help in creating inclusive, equitable and trauma-informed workplaces. By considering how organizations can support and nurture refugee claimants’ growth, we can apply equitable hiring practices to create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all.
What can we learn from refugee claimants' journeys about promoting equity in the workplace?
On October 25th, 2023, we heard the first-hand experiences of refugee claimants and employers. Gained insight on how they navigated the employment landscape and consider the challenges encountered along the way. By delving into their experiences and highlighting Kinbrace’s reflective practices on the employee-employer relationship, we strived to bridge the knowledge gap, foster inclusion, and ultimately, create workplaces that honour the principles of equity.
The SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue is located at 580 W. Hastings St (enter via Seymour Street courtyard entrance) and is located a brief walk from Waterfront station and numerous bus stops. Plan your trip with TransLink’s Trip Planner.
- Bike stalls are available outside the Hastings entrance of SFU Harbour Centre (located across the street). Nearby parking is available at 500 & 400 W. Cordova St.
- Washrooms are located on the lower level, second, third, and fourth floors. The venue has a gender-neutral washroom, available on the second floor (use the hallway to the right).
- The venue is wheelchair and walker accessible, with elevators and fully accessible washrooms. The chairs within Asia Pacific Hall have armrests, with the seat measuring 50cm (w) x 48cm (d).
Our community guidelines are intended to ensure the safety of all guest speakers and event participants, and to foster honest, socially accountable dialogue at our events. Thank you for respecting these guidelines!
- Above all, there will be zero tolerance for those who promote violence or discrimination against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, or disability. Anyone who incites harm towards other participants (whether through chat, video, audio or otherwise) will be removed at the discretion of our technical team and moderator.
- Don’t assume pronouns/gender/knowledge based on someone’s name or appearance. Please refer to people using the usernames and/or pronouns they provide.
- Take space, make space: share your perspective, and make space for other voices to be heard too. Recognize that we are all here to learn.