At the heart of any successful international recruitment effort is a supportive employer. St. Joseph’s Care Group (SJCG) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a shining example of how these partnerships can be a win-win for everyone. As Canada continues to grapple with critical healthcare staffing shortages, SJCG stands out—not just for finding talent in a unique way, but for how they welcome and integrate new employees, particularly displaced talent, into their workforce.  

Since partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), SJCG has welcomed 6 skilled healthcare professionals, who were all previously displaced due to instability or conflict. Another 26 candidates (and their families) will arrive in the next year.  

What makes St. Joseph’s Care Group truly exceptional is the comprehensive and personal support they provide to every hire, ensuring that the transition to a new country and workplace is as welcoming and seamless as possible. Upon arrival, candidates are greeted with a warm welcome at the airport, given a month of paid accommodation, and supported in setting up essentials such as a bank account and their health care cards—all within the first two days of arriving in Canada. They’ve supported individuals like Moaed, who arrived in Thunder Bay in April 2024. 

Moaed’s Journey to Canada

When Moaed, a registered nurse from Syria, graduated from Cairo University, he planned to work towards becoming a Charge Nurse. Specializing in critical care and used to the high-stakes environment of an ICU, Moaed was passionate about his work. As a refugee, however, he encountered a challenging work landscape in Egypt which saw limited career growth opportunities for him. 

“Unfortunately, there are not many opportunities for me as a foreigner in Egypt,” Moaed said. “So I had to change my plans and find another way.”

Desiring a place where his skills would be recognized and rewarded, Moaed began to explore options outside of Egypt. When a friend mentioned Talent Beyond Boundaries, he knew this could be the chance he had been waiting for. He registered his profile on TBB’s Talent Catalog, hoping an employer would see the value in his skills. 

TBB connected Moaed with St. Joseph’s Care Group, who were looking for reliable people who could help fill their labour shortages. 

Andrea Docherty, Vice President of Clinical and Community Health, explained, “St. Joseph’s Care Group, and really the healthcare system as a whole, was faced with a number of challenges post-pandemic in terms of recruitment and retention of staff. We had a large number of staff that were at retirement age, and a lot of Canadian-trained individuals were leaving the healthcare field.”

To address this, the organization decided to look beyond traditional hiring channels, seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to meet staffing needs while making a meaningful impact. In partnership with TBB, St. Joseph’s Care Group expanded its talent search to include highly skilled but displaced professionals who are often overlooked in traditional recruitment channels. 

“The factors that led us to consider international recruitment as an option was really an incredible opportunity for a partnership with TBB and all of the good work that they’d been doing,” Docherty said. “It really provided us with an opportunity to recruit skilled employees and also provide a new home for individuals who were fleeing areas that were no longer safe for them to live in.”

Through this partnership, SJCG discovered Moaed’s profile—a perfect candidate for their needs in long-term care.

The Right Opportunity

When Moaed received a job offer from SJCG, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. “I was so happy because I found a new chance for me to gain  experience in another country.”

Since arriving in Canada, Moaed has quickly adapted to his new environment, with SJCG team providing continuous support as Moaed settled in Canada.

“It was a huge change because the weather here is different, the culture is different,” Moaed said. “But when you have good support from your colleagues, you will find your way.” 

For SJCG, hiring through TBB has proven to be a valuable strategy to meet critical staffing needs, while also making a difference in someone’s life. SJCG success highlights the benefits of investing in the long-term success of your employees. Their supportive approach has significantly contributed to the integration and retention of their hires into the community, demonstrating the value of hiring refugees and fostering a welcoming environment. 

As Lara Dyer, TBB’s Canada Director, puts it, “Displaced professionals like Moaed bring so much talent, are highly motivated, and are eager to build their lives here. This is not only a viable recruitment strategy but also one that brings significant value to the community.”

Through a partnership with TBB, your company can provide meaningful employment for refugees while addressing key labour shortages. Reach out to us today.