Talent is Everywhere

There are 26 million people living as refugees around the world who have fled conflict or persecution. Many of them have skills needed by companies and communities across Canada.

Employers can now access this talent pool. TalentLift and our partners are working to connect hiring managers with job seekers who are refugees, unlocking global job and skilled visa opportunities as a new solution to displacement. 

If just 1% of the international talent moving to Canada to fill skills shortages came from within refugee populations, thousands of people would be contributing their skills, rebuilding their lives alongside their families, and leaving displacement behind. 

We envision a world where talented people living as refugees can compete for global jobs and skilled visas, and where access depends on potential and not the privilege of living without fear.

Mohammed is a fullstack developer working and living in Kitchener, Ontario, with the procurement software firm Bonfire. Bonfire interviewed and hired Mohammed while he was living as a Syrian refugee in Lebanon. Mohammed had registered with the global non-profit Talent Beyond Boundaries, a TalentLift partner, eager to contribute his skills and grow his career. He had a bachelor’s degree in information technology but, like many refugees, Mohammed couldn’t legally work in Lebanon, get decent pay or treatment, or reach his full potential.

Today he’s a core part of an industry-leading team and has a secure future ahead.

What’s New at TalentLift

  • Start meeting job-seekers in refugee circumstances globally
    Dilruba, a Nurse pictured above, arrived in St. John’s a few weeks ago. She joined the team at a long-term care facility in a region facing an acute shortage of healthcare professionals. Dilruba is working again in her field, which has been her dream since she left Afghanistan for her safety and sought refuge in […]
  • Rock musician entrepreneurs arrive from refugee circumstances to open their new music school in Canada
    There are photos of Ranim with children sitting at keyboards during a group lesson. Another photo shows her with one of her students, both smiling and giving a peace sign. She looks happy and the kids look at home with her. Ranim and Adnan taught music together for eight years at their school in Homs, […]