On Feb. 25, a job fair for Hongkongers in Canada attracted nearly 20 companies and organizations, and more than 400 job-seeking Hongkongers attended.
The Hongkonger Community Center Toronto organized a fair to provide job information specifically for Open Work Permit (OWP) holders.
The Hongkonger Community Center Toronto serves as a bridge connecting two generations of Hong Kong people. By providing relevant cooperation opportunities, the Hong Kong community in Canada hopes to strengthen and promote the spirit of mutual help.
Exhibitors at this event covered a wide range of industries, including finance, technology, education, social services, accounting, engineering, insurance, and retail, all run by Hong Kong people who emigrated to Canada in earlier years.
It hopes that providing industry development information and employment opportunities can help new arrivals from Hong Kong adapt to local life as soon as possible.
During the day, Hong Kong Watch Canada also set up an “OWP and You” roundtable to answer questions about the extension and expansion of Canada’s lifeboat (Permanent residence pathway for Hong Kong residents) scheme.
The organizer stated that the background for the launch of this exhibition stemmed from the Canadian government’s announcement that it would relax the policy for Hong Kong people to apply for OWP visas.
The current OWP visa scheme means that Hong Kong residents who graduated from recognized post-secondary education institutions in the past ten years can apply for a 3-year OWP visa. Feb. 7, 2025, is the deadline for visa applications.
Councilor Ritch Lau, Markham District 2, Toronto, also came to show his support for the event and shared his experience of integrating into Canada and a few job-hunting tips with new immigrants from Hong Kong.
In addition, Hong Kong Watch Canada ran an “OWP and You” roundtable to answer questions on the Canadian lifeboat program and how to apply for permanent residence through the “Stream B” route.
Participants brought Hong Kong-style snacks, such as fried beef rice noodles, egg tarts, and fish balls, to share at the exhibition.
The organizer hopes that through this activity, Hong Kong people can still enjoy a taste of their hometown favorites even though they are now in Canada.
The Hongkonger Community Center Toronto opened in Nov. 2022, aiming to link all Hongkongers within the local community, preserving the identity of Hong Kong people, and at the same time trying to build a community with Hong Kong spirit to participate in local community affairs.
A regular gathering with a designated theme is organized for the last Saturday of each month.
