Maple News reports that middle managers hold the key to creating welcoming, inclusive work environments for immigrants in Canada. A newly released report by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), titled ‘Make or Break: How middle managers and executives can build immigrant-inclusive teams’, highlights the pivotal position of middle managers—those bridging frontline staff and executives—in ensuring successful integration of immigrant talent in the workplace.
The research, based primarily on interviews with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals and immigrant middle managers, emphasizes that these managers are instrumental in making newcomers feel valued, offering essential feedback, and supporting their growth within organizations. These actions go beyond onboarding—they shape an immigrant’s potential for long-term success.
Canada continues to rely on immigration to drive economic growth, particularly in the post-pandemic recovery period. However, employment alone is not a measure of successful integration. The workplace must adapt to be truly inclusive wherever newcomers arrive with culturally diverse experiences and professional perspectives.
Executives play a supporting role by empowering and holding middle managers accountable for fostering inclusive team dynamics. According to the report, inclusive practices must become embedded in how teams operate—not as an afterthought, but as a strategic priority. This includes challenging outdated hiring practices, such as requiring “Canadian experience” as a baseline qualification, a barrier many immigrants face.
The report urges organizations to review hiring processes through an inclusive lens. For instance, job descriptions should clearly distinguish essential qualifications from desirable ones. This not only helps immigrants better assess their fit for a role, but also encourages underrepresented candidates—such as women—to apply, addressing broader diversity gaps.
Middle managers must also scrutinize their own definitions of success. The report notes that traditional criteria may align more closely with North American male-dominant norms. Redefining performance benchmarks to value global experiences is key to unlocking the full potential of immigrant talent.
Creating a truly immigrant-inclusive workplace is not an overnight transformation. It requires ongoing commitment from executives, managers, and team members alike. But with the right leadership, immigrants can feel a genuine sense of belonging and thrive in their new environments—bringing fresh ideas and perspectives that will benefit organizations and Canada’s economy.
As Maple News continues to cover stories at the intersection of immigration and work, this research serves as a timely reminder: inclusion must be intentional, institutional, and led by those who manage people every day.