MentorAbility Canada Hub Highlight Series
Every month, MentorAbility Canada proudly presents one of our implementing partners. They are the MentorAbility coordinators—the backstage workers who quietly go about their tasks to ensure that job seekers, employers, and service providers can shine in the spotlight.
For the French version of this post, please click here.
Pour la version française de cet article, veuillez cliquer ici.
MentorAbility Northwest Territories:
Defying Distance through Connections
The newest MentorAbility Hub to join our national network covers the vast area of the Northwest Territories (NWT), a singular region that’s rich geographically and culturally. While challenges remain to increase workplace inclusion, more employers are recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and abilities.
The MentorAbility – NWT Hub will help to connect more job seekers and employers in a region with thriving industries and labour shortages. Gordon Ross, Manager of the CDETNO NWT Career Centre, and Lynn Foley, Executive Director of Inclusion NWT, are collaborating to co-lead the new MentorAbility Hub in the NWT.
Labour Shortages Need Skilled Workers
Employers in the NWT need skilled workers who can adapt to the North’s unique work environment, particularly in mining, tourism, and government services. A small, local labour force means employers must tap into underrepresented groups, including persons experiencing disability, to help address labour shortages.
Several employers are also interested in talent reflecting the territory’s cultural diversity. They need support and training to successfully integrate and retain these workers.
Lack of Understanding about Workers Experiencing Disability
Workers experiencing disability face numerous barriers, including limited local job opportunities and employers who may not understand how to accommodate their needs. For example, some workers may need flexible schedules or specialized equipment to perform their job. Stigma can lead to fewer employment opportunities and a lack of career advancement.
Limited Resources/Services in Smaller Communities
Job seekers and employers in smaller communities have limited access to resources and services. Employers find it challenging to adapt workplaces for inclusion and accessibility without local resources and expertise.
Individuals experiencing disability face a lack of transportation to travel long distances for employment services and training. High-speed internet is inadequate and expensive, limiting job searches or online training. Barriers can lead to isolation and difficulty accessing career counselling or job accommodations.
Culturally Relevant Services
In addition to the impacts of colonization and social and economic disparities, Indigenous workers who experience disability and their communities often face barriers such as:
- limited access to culturally appropriate support,
- language barriers, and
- a lack of transportation, infrastructure, and access to resources.
For example, a job seeker from Łutsel K’e may lack access to assistive technology and internet that would enable virtual interviews or job searches. In response, organizations incorporate culturally relevant approaches, offer services in multiple languages, and partner with local Indigenous organizations.
Representation Matters
“At the NWT Career Centre, we’re fortunate that half of our staff identify as Indigenous, and the reputation and trust we’ve built over time has resulted in greater services and support for many First Peoples of this territory.”
Gordon Ross, Manager, NWT Career Centre, CDNETO
Collaborations Create More Opportunities
Through initiatives like MentorAbility and collaborations between organizations, Gordon and Lynn can reach even more employers. Collaboration broadens program offerings, increasing requests for skills training, and helps to accommodate more workers.
“One of the most exciting aspects is the partnership between Inclusion NWT and CDETNO. More individuals with disabilities are accessing Career Services the same way any other individual would.”
Lynn Foley, Executive Director, Inclusion NWT
Leveraging the Expertise and Reach of MentorAbility
Gordon and Lynn are excited about the expanded capacity their partnership with MentorAbility brings to their work. By leveraging the expertise and national reach of MentorAbility, they can provide more structured, mentorship-based employment support for persons experiencing disability in the NWT.
They can connect with more employers and provide them with the tools and knowledge to successfully engage with more workers. Individuals with disabilities can connect with mentors, facilitating personalized, face-to-face engagement in a remote setting.
The MentorAbility – Northwest Territories Hub can help to build relationships and to dispel misconceptions, creating a stronger foundation for inclusive hiring practices.
“We’re looking forward to contributing to the positive impacts MentorAbility will have on the lives of job seekers and communities. We want to contribute to a future where every person has equal access to meaningful employment opportunities in the NWT and to a labour market that values the skills and contributions of all peoples.”
Gordon Ross and Lynn Foley
For more information about collaborating with the MentorAbility – Northwest Territories Hub, please contact:
CDETNO - NWT Career Centre
(click on organization name to go to website)
Contact: Gordon Ross, Manager Phone: (867) 873-8790 Ext. 11 Email: [email protected]Contact: Andrea Fowler, MentorAbility Coordinator Phone: (867) 873-8790 Email: [email protected]
Inclusion NWT
(click on organization name to go to website)
Contact: Lynn Foley, Executive Director Phone: (867) 920-2644 Email: [email protected]Contact: Maurice Sada, MentorAbility Coordinator Phone: (867) 920-2644 Email: [email protected]