BMO’s $3 million donation to Toronto Metropolitan University accelerates newcomer workforce integration research critical to the future of the Canadian economy
May 8, 2024, Toronto, ON - Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) today announced it has received a $3 million gift from BMO in support of its Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration program. The donation from BMO will fund research into migration and the Canadian labour market and establish the action-oriented BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab – a priority program of the CERC in Migration and Integration.
Canada’s plan to increase immigration to strengthen the country’s talent pipeline will be effective and sustainable only if companies are properly equipped to attract, hire, integrate and retain newcomers. BMO’s support will help position Canada as a leader in the global race for talent. The partnership was celebrated at the opening of the Migration Disrupted Conference which examined how technological transformation is reshaping population mobility.
The BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab will research and develop evidence-based recommendations for actions that employers of all types and sizes can adopt to better leverage the skills and talents of newcomers, from recruitment strategies to hiring and onboarding practices.
Anna Triandafyllidou, TMU’s Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, notes that “with BMO as champion of this innovative research—and as our partner in adopting and testing new practices—we will be able to make a difference in the success that immigrants have integrating into the Canadian workforce. BMO is in an exceptional position to act on the work of our lab, model new labour market solutions, and advocate with their customers and partners the importance of helping newcomers realize their potential as full participants in the Canadian economy.”
Helen Seibel, Head of Employee and Community Giving at BMO, says, “At BMO, we know that newcomers play an increasingly significant role in building thriving economies and, as a result, thriving communities. Newcomers bring immense talent, insight and innovation to BMO and other employers and are an important source of growth for the Canadian labour force. This is why we are so proud to support the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab at TMU. TMU’s research in migration and integration will inform programs, policies and practices that will help break down barriers to inclusion for newcomers and support the growth and development of the Canadian economy.”
Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor, TMU, says, “TMU has a longstanding and fortunate friend in BMO. From foundational support for mentorship programs to awards for student leadership and community development, BMO has been at our side for decades. This recent gift will help companies address the distinct challenges faced by newcomers as they enter the labour market, and will strengthen their odds for success in their careers and in Canada. We are grateful to BMO for recognizing that a more inclusive society is the key to a more prosperous society.”
About Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson University, is Canada’s leader in innovative, career-oriented education. Urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the University is home to more than 48,000 students, including 2,900 Master’s and PhD students, 4,000 faculty and staff, and over 225,000 alumni worldwide. www.torontomu.ca
BMO Gives. Good grows here.
Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO's Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. In 2023, our social impact included more than $84 million donated to hundreds of charities and non-profit organizations across North America to help drive progress by enabling individuals to thrive and communities to prosper. Our colleagues spent almost 62,000 hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $31.2 million of donations through our annual employee giving program. For more information, please visit BMO.com.
Media contact:
Surbhi Bir
PR & Communications Specialist
Central Communications, Toronto Metropolitan University
647-834-6479
surbhi.bir@torontomu.ca