CIEGP Virtual Event: Cultural Integration – The Journey to Working and Belonging in Canada

In case you missed the previous event, we are now offering another session!

Date: March 5, 2021
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Zoom (link to be provided to registrants)
How: Seating is limited. If interested, register on Eventbrite

As a newcomer, how do you thrive in the Canadian workplace culture? How do you get over those feelings of homesickness? This journey to establishing a new life in Canada is both exciting and challenging. But do you ever wonder when you will finally feel Canadian, or if that is even possible? In this session, we are going to look at exactly how you build that strong sense of belonging, and what is most important for finding real success in the Canadian workplace. We will explore the integration journey from the early stages of departure and settlement and through the experience of immersion to that all-important sense of belonging. We will dive deep into the workplace culture with a special focus on communication skills. Our aim for you in this session is that you come away with some of these important questions answered, along with new strategies to keep you on the road to success.

About the Speakers

Paul Holmes
Paul is a leading expert in newcomer integration and workforce diversity. He specializes in helping organizations with culturally diverse workforces reach their potential together. Paul was born in South Africa and immigrated to Canada in his early twenties. He first worked in language training before assuming the role of Manager of Corporate Partnerships at the Centre for Intercultural Education. Here he led pioneering projects with governments and industry partners to help accelerate immigrant integration and to remove the barriers to success. Since moving into a consulting role, he has become a sought after diversity trainer, leadership coach, and course developer in conflict resolution, performance management, and leadership. He is also an experienced keynote speaker, and has presented on integration and diversity across Canada, as well as locally at the Alberta Congress Board and the Human Resources Institute of Alberta Conference. He holds an MA in International Relations. Paul’s passion is to collaborate with others to bring about social transformation that helps to make Canada one of the best multicultural societies in the world.

Lydia Holmes
Lydia is a seasoned organizational development strategist. She has over 15 years of experience in strategic HR leadership in areas such as talent management, leadership development, change management, strategic planning, teambuilding, and employee motivation and engagement. She has interviewed hundreds of people in her career and coaches individuals in how to stand out in an interview. Lydia brings significant experience conducting needs assessments, organization/team reviews, and audits to identify gaps and provide solutions for meaningful change. She has written research papers for government-funded projects including one on removing barriers to immigrant advancement. As a second-generation Korean Canadian, this work with immigrants intersects with her personal values. She has led and managed numerous projects, including ones provincial in scope. Prior to becoming a consultant, she was the Director, Workforce Planning at the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service for several years. She has an MBA degree, a Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, and is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).