Vancouver Coastal Health was recognized as one of the nation's best employers for recent immigrants. This special designation is given to organizations offering interesting programs to assist new Canadians in making the transition to a new workplace -- and a new life in Canada.

VCH highlights

Some of the reasons why Vancouver Coastal Health was selected as one of Best Employers for New Canadians 2009:

• We participated in a program to help internationally-trained licensed practical nurses (LPNs) find employment in Canada
• We are managing a pilot program designed to provide health sector-specific English language training to new Canadians with international healthcare credentials
• We provide classroom training and on-site practicums to internationally-trained nurses enrolled in a provincial program, and hires them when their work practicum is completed

About the selection process

For the selection process, each employer is evaluated in terms of whether they:

• Offer programs specifically designed to assist employees who are recent immigrants to Canada
• Have taken steps to reduce employment barriers
• Assist new employees who have foreign professional or educational credentials in getting these qualifications formally recognized in Canada
• Offer "onboarding" programs, such as internal coaching or mentoring, to help new employees who are recent immigrants understand the Canadian workplace
• Give their managers and employees training in cross-cultural issues or inclusiveness to help create a welcoming and productive environment for employees who are recent immigrants.

For more details, visit the Mediacorp Canada website.