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News Editors:

Conference highlights competitive advantage of a diverse workforce

     Ontario Government And Private Sector Partner Showcase Benefits Of Diversity

     TORONTO, March 27 /CNW/ - Tapping into the talents of highly skilled

newcomers is the theme of an employers' conference called Diversity in the

Workforce: Our Economic Advantage sponsored by the Ontario government and the

Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and being held at the Toronto Board of Trade.

     "More than half of working age newcomers over the past two years arrived

with some postsecondary education. They bring the kinds of skills and

experience that Ontario companies need to compete globally," said Minister of

Citizenship and Immigration Mike Colle. "Ontario's diversity is a tremendous

source of strength."

     Businesses that have gained from a diverse workforce will share their

experiences with other conference participants from small, medium and large

companies. Presentations include:

     -   What employers need to know about Ontario's changing workforce

     -   How employers can tap into new markets using diversity as leverage.

     Speakers include senior executives such as Tim Penner from Procter &

Gamble Canada; Gérard Étienne from Diversity Initiatives and Programs at TD

Bank Financial Group; John Silverthorn from IBM Business Consulting Services

and Ian Howcroft from Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

     "Immigration has always played a key role in building Ontario's

prosperity," said Len Crispino, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of

Commerce. "Business must continue to work with the government to diversify

their workforce."

     The Ontario government is committed to breaking down barriers so that

internationally trained professionals and tradespeople can apply their skills

and contribute to Ontario sooner. Ontario invests more than any other province

in programs to help newcomers succeed, including $20 million in bridge

training programs to help newcomers upgrade their language skills, prepare for

exams and gain valuable Canadian work experience. These programs have so far

helped more than 5,000 internationally trained professionals.

     "When employers understand the value and advantage of a highly skilled

diverse workforce, we all benefit," said Colle. "It puts Ontario in a better

position to compete in a global market."