Strengthening Canada’s Workforce Through Inclusive, Employer-Led Solutions
Canada continues to navigate unprecedented global challenges that are reshaping both economic conditions and social dynamics. These shifts have brought new urgency to national conversations around migration, unity, diversity, and collective identity. As economic transformations intersect with mobility and settlement patterns, the country faces important questions about how to sustain cohesion while honouring its commitments to Indigenous reconciliation and official language communities.
Against this backdrop, the city of #Saskatoon hosted the 8th edition of the Metropolis Identities Summit 2025 (29 – 30 Oct, 2025) under the theme: Reaffirming Canada: Confronting Challenges to Our Unity, Diversity, and Identities.
During the Summit, IEC-BC delivered an interactive session titled “Supporting Employer-Led Solutions for Attracting and Retaining Immigrant Talent in Small Centres and Rural Communities.” This session explored the realities facing employers across smaller and rural communities as they work to attract, hire, and retain newcomer talent—an essential component of Canada’s economic future.
The presentation drew on insights from IEC-BC’s Employer Navigator Pilot, developed in partnership with World Education Services (WES), as well as findings from regional employer feedback forums. Discussions examined what is currently working for employers, what barriers persist, and what support is required to build sustainable and responsive newcomer workforce strategies.
One participating employer summarized the value clearly:
“A personalized service like Employer Navigator is incredibly helpful. There’s so much information out there, but having tailored guidance makes all the difference.”
IEC-BC extended a special thank you to employer speakers Meer Anwar (CEO, PixelPaddle Solutions Inc.) and Ron Sun, MBA, CPA, CMA for sharing practical insights and lived industry experience. Appreciation was also extended to the Metropolis Institute for hosting this significant national platform for dialogue and collaboration.
The insights gathered will help inform future tools and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening newcomer attraction and retention in smaller communities across Canada. The session reaffirmed the importance of innovation, community partnership, and employer involvement in creating inclusive and resilient local economies.
Insights From PixelPaddle CEO, Meer Anwar
Representing PixelPaddle, CEO Meer Anwar shared perspectives from the viewpoint of a local tech employer and small business leader. Speaking during a fireside conversation with Ron Sun, moderated by Elham Ershad, CPHR, CDP; Meer emphasized the importance of employer-driven workforce solutions and the growing need for equitable and accessible pathways for immigrant talent.
The conversation explored several critical themes, including:
• Employer-led talent strategies
• AI upskilling and digital capability development
• Recognition of foreign credentials and equitable hiring
• Inclusive workforce participation and long-term retention
Meer highlighted that emerging technology companies like PixelPaddle play a vital role in shaping Canada’s future labour market. Through innovation in technologies like AI, AR/VR, and digital engagement platforms, PixelPaddle contributes to employer readiness, industry mentorship, and practical workforce integration, as well as offering newcomers opportunities to gain cutting-edge experience in globally relevant technologies.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration across organizations such as IEC-BC, WES, and national partners. These partnerships are essential for creating systems that support both employers and job seekers while strengthening the economic and social fabric of Canadian communities.
PixelPaddle extends sincere gratitude to the Metropolis Institute, IEC-BC, World Education Services, and all participating partners for fostering meaningful dialogue that moves Canada closer to a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready society.
