This World Refugee Day (June 20), we proudly celebrate our commitment to sustainable and inclusive hiring practices through our partnership with TalentLift, a Canadian non-profit international recruitment agency that helps people living as refugees connect with meaningful employment opportunities in Canada.

Through this partnership, we have had the privilege of welcoming over 20 internationally trained nurses from refugee backgrounds to Newfoundland and Labrador, with another 27 set to arrive in the coming months. These newcomers have been recruited to fill the vital role of personal care attendants (PCAs) across the province. Each of them is a qualified registered nurse in their country of training, and many are actively working toward meeting the requirements for licensure in Canada.

Among the landed recruits are Fatuma and Kedija, two skilled and compassionate nurses who recently joined our long-term care team in Corner Brook as PCAs.

Both women were displaced in Ethiopia, unable to work or plan for their futures, and since relocating to our province have found renewed purpose in their roles. Today, they are getting involved in their communities, supporting our patients and residents, and enriching our health-care teams, all while pursuing their Canadian nursing licenses.

“I enjoy assisting residents and providing them with accurate and helpful information to meet their needs,” said Fatuma. She adds, “Hiring candidates from refugee backgrounds can bring diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences to your organization, and it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives and your community… Corner Brook has been a wonderful surprise! The warm community, stunning natural beauty, and great work opportunities have made me feel right at home. I’m loving my new life here!”

Fatuma

“I enjoy providing care and when the residents become happy,” Kedija shared, “and I am enjoying life in Corner Brook, where the community has been welcoming, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute and grow here,” Her message to other employers is simple and heartfelt: “Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity.”

Kedija

Their stories illustrate the transformative potential of Canada’s Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) – a visa pathway that enables employers to recruit skilled individuals living in refugee situations. This isn’t just a humanitarian response; it’s a strategic, long-term solution to health human resources challenges. International hires like Fatuma and Kedija are deeply committed to care and bring compassion, resilience, and valuable cultural insights to their work.

As they build their futures here, Fatuma, Kedija, and their peers are also helping to build stronger, healthier communities. Their dedication extends beyond the workplace as they embrace life in Newfoundland and Labrador and give back to the province they now call home.

As we mark this global day of recognition, NL Health Services reaffirms its commitment to building a stronger, more equitable health system where inclusive hiring isn’t just a strategy, but a core value. When Fatuma and Kedija arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador, they didn’t just begin new jobs; they found a place to grow and belong. Their journey is a powerful example of what becomes possible when we welcome newcomers with compassion and purpose.

To learn more about our partnership with TalentLift and our refugee recruitment efforts, click here.

This story was written by Faith Gates, Health Marketing Manager, NL Health Services. Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.