Canadian Immigrant Resource Network

Canadian Immigrant Resource Network, established in 2005: Behind the idea of a national virtual centre

Our family arrived in Canada more than a decade ago. To our surprise, we had to realize that foreign trained professionals have a hard time to integrate into the work force. In this regard, prospective immigrants and a significant number of well-qualified immigrants who came to Canada in about the past two decades seem to face similar difficulties. The whole society and economy are challenged together with the immigrants themselves if newcomers struggle with un- and underemployment while their human capital is not used to full potential. In most cases, the higher the previous education level, the more severe the transition penalty.

I felt increasingly interested in understanding this situation and have searched for answers within the context of the Canadian immigration system and also in connection with the economic and educational environment and possibilities. I have acquired thorough knowledge of the topic through own research, as well as by attending conferences and by participating in projects with voluntary work. I have come to the conclusion that the integration of immigrants could significantly benefit from a more efficient exchange of knowledge and information at an all-Canadian level. In this way, existing research results and successful initiatives would not have to be reinvented in other parts of the country and task distribution could shorten the time needed for new developments.

This Pan-Canadian resource network has been established at a time when official policies favoured setting up regionalized support programs in the country. The idea and concept to create it have been based on our personal experiences in two provinces of Canada, evolved during extensive immigration related research work and they have materialized in the implementation of the Canadian Immigrant Resource Network. This virtual centre provides a frame for collective efforts for the benefit of the whole society. Its integrated approach in career cooperation, skills evaluation and job training of immigrants could reach out towards Canadian-born job seekers, including aboriginal and disabled individuals as well.

The innovative features offered by the Canadian Immigrant Resource Network are the result of years long devoted design work. I have used my self-learned webpage development skills to create the website while the credit for programming the special components belongs to my husband Frank. We are inviting all Canadians to collaborate in the wide-ranging activities that follow the launch of this portal. It is a work in progress whose true value is expected to emerge with growing participation and cooperation that it is intended to motivate.

Gabriella Varhelyi, Ph.D.
Canadian Immigrant Resource Network