RBC Foundation supports TRIEC’s new digital platform to help skilled newcomers fast-track their Canadian careers

~RBC Foundation’s seed funding supports TRIEC’s two-year digital innovation initiative~

Toronto, ON | July 27, 2026- Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) announces a new digital innovation initiative powered by seed funding from RBC Foundation. The two-year seed funding will support the development of a technology-enabled platform designed to help skilled newcomers fast-track their Canadian careers.  

The platform is being designed to support every stage of a newcomer’s career journey. Through personalized technology-enabled solutions, the platform will help newcomers navigate career opportunities with confidence while helping employers expand access to highly skilled professionals. Using AI-enabled tools, it will help users identify opportunities aligned with their skills, experience, and career aspirations while providing tailored guidance to navigate the Canadian labour market and help accelerate their career success. 

For more than two decades, TRIEC has worked alongside employers, governments, community organisations, and newcomer professionals to reduce immigrant underemployment. The initiative builds on this strong foundation, combining TRIEC’s proven expertise with digital innovation to unlock the full potential of newcomer talent, helping skilled newcomers reach the summit of their potential and strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness. 

Speaking on the occasion, Simon Trevarthen, Chief Executive Officer, TRIEC, said, “Canada’s future economic prosperity depends on ensuring skilled talent can fully contribute to our workforce. Every year, thousands of skilled newcomers arrive in Ontario with the credentials and experience employers need, yet many lose critical time navigating an unfamiliar labour market while employers continue to face talent shortages.”  

“With seed funding from RBC Foundation, we are developing a digital platform that helps bridge this gap. This platform represents an exciting opportunity to complement our existing work and create new pathways that support both employers seeking talent and skilled newcomers looking to build meaningful careers. We are grateful to RBC Foundation for supporting this vision and helping us explore innovative solution with the potential to strengthen Canada’s workforce.” Simon added. 

Highlighting the importance of supporting innovative, community-driven solutions, Hanan Rafih, Regional Vice President, Toronto Downtown, RBC, said, “We know that when newcomers succeed, our communities and economy grow stronger. That’s why RBC Foundation is proud to support TRIEC to develop cutting-edge digital tools that connect skilled newcomers with meaningful employment opportunities, while helping employers access the talent they need to thrive.” 

The project reflects a shared commitment to advancing inclusive economic participation by leveraging innovation, collaboration, and technology to address workforce challenges. 

As development continues, TRIEC will share updates on the platform’s progress and future opportunities for employers, newcomer professionals, and partners to engage with the initiative. 

This initiative complements TRIEC’s ongoing work, made possible through the continued support of our funders- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), and United Way Greater Toronto. 

About TRIEC
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) champions the talent and experience that immigrants bring to Canada. TRIEC helps fast-track newcomers into careers, expand their professional networks, and understand the local labour market while helping employers unlock the full potential of immigrant talent. Through collaboration with employers, community organisations, and government partners, TRIEC drives systemic change to build a Greater Toronto Area where immigrant professionals can fully contribute and reach the summit of their potential. 

About RBC Foundation
RBC Foundation is a Canadian Registered Charity and Private Foundation. Solely funded by RBC and its subsidiaries, RBC Foundation provides donations exclusively from RBC and its subsidiaries’ annual earnings, not from third-party or client donations. 

Media Contact:
Arushi Phillips
Senior Manager, Strategic Communications
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)
aphillips@triec.ca