On February 12, 2008, The Brampton Board of Trade, through its award winning project “Skills Without Borders-Connecting Employers and Skilled Immigrants”, and in partnership with The Toronto Region Immigrant Council (TRIEC), launched the photo exhibit “20 Journeys-A visual essay of the immigrant experience” at the Bramalea City Centre.

20 Journeys is a traveling exhibit of powerful photographs and stories of immigrants entering the Canadian labour market. It details the experiences of skilled immigrants, their journeys to achieving success, and the programs and employers that have shared in their milestones. The exhibit features immigrants from India, Sri Lanka, China, Columbia, Ghana, Greece, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, the UK and the Ukraine.

At the exhibit launch event, Sheldon Leiba, CEO of The Brampton Board of Trade, stated that “nowhere is the importance of effectively including skilled immigrants in the labour market more important than in the City of Brampton where we attract a large and growing pool of skilled and talented immigrants that want to contribute to our workplaces and community”. Leiba further emphasized that “the integration of newcomers should be a priority for any local business that wants to grow or compete both in the local and global economy.”

Elizabeth McIsaac, Executive Director of TRIEC commented that “20 Journeys reflects the experience of many immigrants who bring valuable skills, education and talent to the Toronto region each year”, further adding that “the intent of the exhibit is to help broaden public awareness on the benefits of including newcomers in our economy.”

Other speakers at the exhibit launch and reception included: Evelyn Myrie, Executive Director of the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group; Janet Menard, Director of Human Services for the Region of Peel; and, Linda Jeffrey, MPP for Brampton-Springdale and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

The exhibit was on display at the Bramalea City Centre from February 12 through to February 24.

The Brampton Board of Trade developed the “Skills Without Borders” program to raise the awareness of employers about the increasing need for skilled labour to sustain our economy and the opportunities to capitalize on the contributions of skilled immigrants to meet those needs. In 2007, The Ontario Chamber of Commerce presented its prestigious “Chair’s Award” to The Brampton Board of Trade for the program. For more information visit www.skillswithoutborders.com.

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