Media

OTTAWA, April 8, 2010  —  The University of Ottawa has been recognized by Mediacorp Canada Inc. among the thirty-five best employers for new Canadians for 2010.

Throughout its history, the University of Ottawa has promoted and supported cultural diversity. The University renewed its commitment to the principles of diversity and equitable representation in its strategic plan, Vision 2010. It also committed to the recruitment and retention of highly qualified individuals that reflect the diversity of the community.

In 2008 the University launched Access uOttawa, a diversity recruitment pilot project that removes employment barriers by providing immigrants the opportunity to gain experience and increase their chances of gaining full-time employment at the University of Ottawa. Since the program began, over 40 candidates have been given short-term job opportunities. Five new immigrants have gone on to permanent positions while more than 70% of candidates were renewed for subsequent placements.   

The University of Ottawa was also chosen because of its efforts to recruit new Canadians through local job fairs. In addition, the University gives employment presentations to local immigrant settlement and service organizations, describing the application process for available jobs at the university.

The University is also active in improving employment opportunities for immigrants in Ottawa as a member of the public service working group Hire Immigrants Ottawa, a community project created to help local employers recruit and retain internationally-trained professionals.