Announces commitment to hire 250 refugees within three years at locations across the country

BURLINGTON, ON, June 20, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, IKEA Canada is proud to launch a national refugee employment initiative to help refugees join the workforce, develop new skills and integrate into communities across the country.  Announced on World Refugee Day, the new program will see the company hire 250 refugees within three years, with initial recruitment starting this month.

"We know refugees leave many things behind when fleeing to a new country, but they bring with them aspirations, skills and talent," said Marsha Smith, President, IKEA Canada. "This program not only offers refugees new career opportunities and job training, it provides IKEA with the possibility to discover and recruit new talent, expand our diverse co-worker base and contribute to our role in creating a positive impact on the local community."

Over 65 million people around the world have been forced to leave their homes due to war, persecution, poverty and climate change. In 2015, IKEA Canada supported Canada's resettlement of Syrian refugees through a donation of $190,000 in home furnishings to aid families while they settled into their new homes. Today's announcement takes IKEA's commitment to refugees a step further, moving from short-term settlement needs to long-term employment goals. 

"Canada has a rich tradition of not only helping those fleeing prosecution, but recognizing the valuable and lasting contributions these individuals make within our society. World Refugee Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility to continue finding new opportunities to help the world's most vulnerable apply their efforts and talents. I commend IKEA Canada for its leadership in recognizing how the successful integration of refugees benefits us all." – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

The new refugee employment program also supports IKEA in creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where individual differences are celebrated.

"Our commitment to refugees is completely aligned with IKEA's vision to create a better everyday life for the many people," said Brendan Seale, Head of Sustainability, IKEA Canada. "Providing these opportunities will support people in vulnerable and difficult situations, and will also benefit our co-workers and customers."  

In partnership with local settlement and employment agencies, IKEA will pilot the new employment initiative at five locations across Canada including its new customer distribution centre in Richmond, stores in Vaughan, Richmond and Coquitlam, and its soon-to-open Quebec City store.

IKEA will also collaborate with local community partners to support language training and career counselling post-hire.

ABOUT IKEA CANADA

IKEA Group is a leading home furnishing retailer with 357 stores in more than 29 countries worldwide, which are visited by 817 million people every year. IKEA Canada has 13 stores, an eCommerce virtual store, six Pick-up and order points and 14 Collection Points. The company has also announced plans to open new stores in Quebec City and London, Ontario. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 28 million visitors to its stores and 95 million visitors to the IKEA.ca website. Founded in 1943, IKEA's business philosophy is to offer a wide range of products of good design and function at prices so low, the majority of people can afford them. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit: www.IKEA.ca.

SOURCE IKEA Canada

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