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Project Lead

Wendy Cukier

Team Members

Jesse Gibson

Cluster: ADTs for Immigrant Labour Market Integration and (Re)Training

This project explores how Advanced Digital Technologies (ADTs) can bridge the gap between newcomers’ skills and labour market demands. It examines their use in skills recognition, training, career pathing, and job placement, while also considering risks such as embedded bias and the digital divide. 

Particularly with the advent of generative AI, there is a need to understand how the technology is shaping labour market demand as well as the implications for newcomer job seekers and employees.

1. How are employers, particularly SMEs, using ADTs, and how does this shape workforce demand and immigrant hiring?
2. How can digital platforms facilitate skills recognition and validation for immigrants?
3. What challenges and opportunities arise from the integration of digital technologies in recruitment, assessment, upskilling, and development?
4. In what ways can ADTs mitigate or reinforce bias and discrimination in hiring and promotion?
5. How can inclusive practices be promoted to ensure ADTs support immigrants and newcomers?

The project uses a mixed-methods approach, including literature reviews, surveys of employers and immigrants, action research projects with partners, and policy analysis on responsible use of AI.

This project is ongoing. Literature reviews and national surveys completed; employer and immigrant surveys underway; action research and evaluation projects in progress; multiple research reports and conference presentations delivered.

Expected completion date: Winter 2027

Publications:

• Cukier, W., & Donaldson, L. (2025).  (PDF file) Technology-Enabled Innovations in Language Learning: Best practices for effective implementation (opens in new window) . Diversity Institute.

• "AI, Newcomers, and the Future of Work: Barriers and Pathways to Success" presented by Wendy Cukier at Pathways to Prosperity 2025 Conference in Halifax on November 25, 2025
• "AI skills competency framework" presented by Mohamed Elmi at 8th Metropolis Identities Summit: Reaffirming Canada: Confronting Challenges to Unity, Diversity and Identities in Saskatoon on October 29, 2025
• "Employment and Immigrants" presented by Wendy Cukier at COMPASS 2025 Conference on July 25, 2025
• "AI for All: A Framework to Upskill for the Future of Work" presented by Wendy Cukier at Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE) Conference 2025 on June 2, 2025

Skills training; labour market entry; small and medium enterprises; digital technologies; immigrant employment