Chapters

Our Commitment
to Inclusion

Land Acknowledgement

In the Greater Toronto Area where we operate, we acknowledge this land is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. 

As we carry out our mission to support all jobseekers, many of whom are recent immigrants to Canada, we embrace our responsibility to learn about the history and culture of Indigenous communities, the past and present harm, and the impact of colonialism. We are committed to working together towards building a more inclusive, just and equitable future.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion

Our commitment to diversity and anti-racism includes creating a workplace and culture where everyone feels respected and included, where different perspectives are welcomed and valued.

Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world with immigrants speaking more than 450 languages coming here from nearly 200 countries to build new lives. However, newcomers continue to face many challenges finding and maintaining employment. Various equity-deserving groups also face significant barriers.

Skills, language or cultural barriers, in addition to understanding systems and norms, gaining access to labour market information, and making new contacts, all combine to make the jobseeker experience complex.

Because we champion diversity, we strive to achieve equity and inclusion in everything we do.

SUCCESS STORIES

“The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful for the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story.”

Guita Movallali, ACCES Employment Alum
CHAPTER 1

Collaborating
for Growth

We’re expanding our partnerships locally and nationally to connect more newcomers with our vast network of employers. With increased immigration to Canada, we continue to support greater numbers of jobseekers, expanding our impact through more partnerships and diversified sources of funding.

CHAPTER 2

Engaging
our Partners
and Donors

We're creating new programs, engaging with our donors, and diversifying our funding to help jobseekers find employment success.

0 K+

56k+

Jobseekers Served
chapter 3

Amplifying
Our Stories

The individual success stories of our clients help demonstrate the effectiveness of our services. We’re achieving more than 300,000 engagements through our marketing and communications efforts annually, and we continue to measure and monitor our brand, reach and engagement so that we can track our performance and expand our reach even further.

We’re grateful for the guidance of our Stakeholder Advisory Council, 18 leaders from across sectors who help us grow awareness, engagement and sponsorship. Our first annual volunteer appreciation event was an opportunity to thank our advisors and plan for the future and has now been established as an annual event.

SUCCESS STORIES

“The Supply Chain Connections program was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to navigate the Canadian job market and secure a position in my field.”

— Geetika Kour, ACCES Employment Alum
chapter 4

Innovating for
Impact

The world of work is changing and so too is our sector, and our organization.

We’re also keeping pace with emerging trends in employment and technologies so that our organization and our clients can respond with flexibility and resilience in our fast-moving times.

We’re leveraging opportunities for newcomers by responding to gaps in the labour market in fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology by connecting jobseekers with employers looking for talent in high-demand sectors.

SUCCESS STORIES

“A big thank you to ACCES. I found the staff friendly and supportive. I completed the program feeling prepared and confident to navigate the Canadian job market. I recommend ACCES to everyone.”

— Farhad Mansouri, ACCES Employment Alum
chapter 5

Leading by
Example

Preparing people for job success is at the very core of our business. We believe that supporting our clients and employers in building desirable workplaces must start with our own organization.
We are a diverse organization of 280 employees who work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
We’re investing in our teams to ensure they have the social, emotional and technical skills needed to succeed. We support our staff through professional development opportunities, mentoring, and a nurturing culture where we encourage personal growth, well-being and excellence.
In our annual staff survey we gathered positive feedback in areas such as organizational strategy, employee experience, performance management, and learning and growth. Leadership, action, and learning and development had the most significant impact on the employee experience. Staff expressed high confidence in leadership, a strong sense of belonging, and a belief in fair treatment individually and organizationally. In addition to reducing rates of staff turnover and with significant rates of internal placements for management roles, internal growth and development opportunities are a high priority within ACCES.
Our mission and our values of impact, innovation, and inclusion are central to our work. We foster a respectful and inclusive workplace where every employee feels they belong. Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Council, ACCES One, spearheads our strategy, ensuring that EDI is integrated into our operations and service delivery. We have sparked a variety of initiatives such as the formation of Employee Resource Groups including the Black Action Coalition for Change (BACC), Pride A+, and our newest group for Latin and Hispanic staff, Somos. These groups are employee-led and supported by executive sponsorship.
SUCCESS STORIES

"ACCES Employment provided invaluable counselling and support when I arrived from New Delhi. They helped me find clarity and direction for my career. For newcomers, I recommend researching before arrival and using ACCES to navigate the job market."

— Sachin Kapoor, ACCES Employment Alum
chapter 6

Financial Health

As a non-profit, charitable organization, we are committed to the effective stewardship of funds. We also adhere to high standards of transparency and accountability in reporting on our impact and our financial health to our funders, donors, sponsors, and our community.

CHAPTER 7

A Robust Future

for Canada

Canada’s future depends on a robust economy fuelled by a strong workforce. ACCES Employment’s work is a critical component of our country’s success.

History has shown us that a churning economy being disrupted by technology and shifting geopolitical forces can create uncertainty for the job market and those trying to secure employment.


For over 37 years, we have been a trusted resource for immigrants, providing the supports necessary to help them find their place in the labour market and in the country. Our services are a constant amid the economic and social shifts.

As we look ahead, we see a strong future for jobseekers, employers and for Canada – guided by highly effective and trusted employment services we have always and will continue to provide. We offer our sincere thanks to all the partners who make what we do possible.

As we look to the future, we want to express our deep gratitude to the funders and sponsors who support us to drive positive change in the employment sector.

Download the Annual Report PDF
Guita Movallali, owner of a successful clinic for deaf children in Iran, sought help to continue her work when she arrived in Canada. Despite two decades of experience and a PhD, she was challenged by language and unfamiliarity with the Canadian system as she sought to establish herself in the Canadian job market. Through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program, she found the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals. Guita now works as the Executive Director at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you, ACCES, for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story,"
— Gurjeet Singh Taneja – ACCES Employment Alum
Guita Movallali, owner of a successful clinic for deaf children in Iran, sought help to continue her work when she arrived in Canada. Despite two decades of experience and a PhD, she was challenged by language and unfamiliarity with the Canadian system as she sought to establish herself in the Canadian job market. Through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program, she found the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals. Guita now works as the Executive Director at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you, ACCES, for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story,"
— Gurjeet Singh Taneja – ACCES Employment Alum
Guita Movallali, owner of a successful clinic for deaf children in Iran, sought help to continue her work when she arrived in Canada. Despite two decades of experience and a PhD, she was challenged by language and unfamiliarity with the Canadian system as she sought to establish herself in the Canadian job market. Through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program, she found the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals. Guita now works as the Executive Director at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you, ACCES, for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story,"
— Gurjeet Singh Taneja – ACCES Employment Alum
Farhad Mansouri had many years of experience as a government water resources engineer when he arrived in Canada to escape the political unrest of Afghanistan in 2022. He knew he had the qualifications and skills to succeed in Canada, but wasn’t familiar with writing resumes, networking and how to target his search. Through the Engineering Connections online program, he received one-to-one mentoring and coaching from professionals in his field. He also benefitted from a resume review, interview skills training, and the ever-important art of how to network. He soon landed a job as a water resources specialist at South Nation River Conservation Authority.
“A big thank you to ACCES. I found the staff friendly and supportive. I completed the program feeling prepared and confident to navigate the Canadian job market. I recommend ACCES to everyone!”
— Farhad Mansouri, ACCES Employment Alum
Guita Movallali, owner of a successful clinic for deaf children in Iran, sought help to continue her work when she arrived in Canada. Despite two decades of experience and a PhD, she was challenged by language and unfamiliarity with the Canadian system as she sought to establish herself in the Canadian job market. Through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program, she found the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals. Guita now works as the Executive Director at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you, ACCES, for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story,"
— Gurjeet Singh Taneja – ACCES Employment Alum
Geetika Kour was an IT professional experienced in ERP software implementation when she came to Canada to explore opportunities in 2022. When she was not placed immediately, she sought programs to help her understand the Canadian landscape and bridge the gap between her international experience and the Canadian job market. Through the Supply Chain Connections program at ACCES Employment, delivered in partnership with Sheridan College, she got the tools she needed as well as networking opportunities with professionals in her field. She soon landed a full-time position as a project manager with an IT consulting firm.
“The Supply Chain Connections program was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to navigate the Canadian job market and secure a position in my field”
— Geetika Kour – ACCES Employment Alum