• Annual Report 2024-25

Building the Workforce of the Future

Committed to unlocking
opportunities for all

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01

Leadership

A diverse workforce for a robust Canadian economy

It has been our privilege to have helped hundreds of thousands of clients – over the past 39 years – access employment services and gain the skills and connections they need to thrive in the Canadian labour market. That’s where our value lies. We support newcomers to Canada and other underrepresented groups overcome barriers to employment so they can find and keep jobs and contribute to our country’s economic growth. Canada’s economy is undergoing significant transformation, shaped by shifting national priorities, rapid advances in technology, an aging population, and geo-political forces such as war, climate-related disasters and trade disputes. In our time of great uncertainty, building an inclusive and skilled workforce is essential because a labour market that leverages the talents of all workers builds economic stability, innovation and resilience. Our sector-specific initiatives are informed by employers and industry experts and tailored so that they can prepare jobseekers to fill roles in emerging fields such as healthcare and engineering, technology and agri-tech, construction trades and manufacturing. We’re finding innovative ways to help those furthest from the labour market overcome barriers and connect with employers to find pathways to careers. Our programs help internationally trained professionals leverage their experience in workplaces here. The pre-arrival supports we offer help immigrants start their job search even before they arrive.

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Allison Pond

President & CEO

Andrea Robertson

Board Co-Chair

56K+

Jobseekers Served

85%

Assisted clients secured employment or enrolled in an educational or training program

87%

Clientele are
immigrants

5,250+

Employers in our network

1,108

MENTORS

2,474

Pre-arrival clients who used ACCES services

Our Commitment
to Inclusion

Land Acknowledgement

At ACCES, we are deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. At the forefront, we honour Indigenous communities across Canada; it is their sacred land on which we are privileged to live and work. In the Greater Toronto Area, where ACCES operates, we acknowledge this land is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. As we carry out our mission of supporting jobseekers, many of whom are recent immigrants to Canada, we embrace our responsibility to learn about the history and culture of Indigenous communities, the past and present harm, and impact of colonialism, including the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. We are committed to working together toward a more inclusive, just, and equitable future.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Canada is recognized globally for its diversity, yet immigrants and other equity-deserving groups continue to face significant barriers to employment. Newcomers may encounter challenges such as language, unfamiliar workplace norms, and unequal access to opportunities, making finding employment more complex. At ACCES Employment, we are committed to advancing equity in Canada’s labour market. Our services are designed to support newcomers and women, youth and racialized individuals, persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ2S+ community. Our commitment to diversity in Canada’s labour market starts in our own workplace. We’re dedicated to creating an environment that reflects the communities we serve, and to building an organizational culture where everyone feels respected and included. At ACCES, diverse perspectives are not only welcomed, they are essential to our work and to the impact we have in building a more equitable future for all.

02

Collaborate

Collaborating
for Growth

We work closely with many partners to ensure our programing is always growing, evolving and responding to Canada’s economic priorities. Our employer network help us stay tuned into economic shifts, anticipate future trends in the labour market and scale solutions for jobseekers locally, nationally and globally. We collaborate to identify in-demand sectors and create programs to prepare jobseekers to fill specific gaps in the labour market. Through our joint efforts, we are always supporting the needs of jobseekers and employers, even as the economy shifts.

“ACCES demonstrates a strong commitment to collaboration by working directly with employers across a range of industries to design programs that align with current labour market demands. This sector-specific approach ensures that newcomers gain the practical skills, credentials, and cultural understanding required to succeed, while employers benefit from a talent pool that is well-prepared and job-ready from day one.”

– Stef Saad, Co-founder & Vice President, Les Entreprises SmartLux Inc., and an ACCES Employment volunteer.

SUCCESS STORIES

Geetika Kour

The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful for the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story.

— ACCES Employment Alum

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IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT IMPACT

INCLUSION INCLUSION INCLUSION INCLUSION INCLUSION INCLUSION INCLUSION INCLUSION INCLUSION

INNOVATION INNOVATION INNOVATION INNOVATION INNOVATION INNOVATION INNOVATION INNOVATION

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03

Stories

Amplifying Our Stories

We’re expanding awareness about who we are and what we do by taking new approaches to storytelling and engagement so that more people can find us and benefit from our employment services. The more we’re in the local, provincial and national conversation on the economic and social contributions of a fully inclusive labour force, the more we’re able to attract partners who want to support and grow our programs.

SUCCESS STORIES

Geetika Kour

The Supply Chain Connections program was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to navigate the Canadian job market and secure a position in my field.

— ACCES Employment Alum

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04

Partners & Donors

Engaging community and government partners

ACCES Employment is a leader in the employment service space, regularly engaging with governments, community partners, and non-profit organizations. We hosted our first Learning Symposium, an in-person event where hundreds of skills development professionals, government leaders, and industry experts came together to discuss how economic empowerment can be achieved through career growth. At the Conference Board of Canada’s Canadian Immigration Summit, we shared our perspective on the future of settlement and employment services and how collaboration by public, private, and non-profit organizations is essential. We also discussed challenges and opportunities as part of First Work’s federal advocacy day, offered program learnings at Metropolis’ immigration and integration conference, and continue to work closely with our sector partners such as the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), and World Education Services (WES).

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05

Impact

Innovating for Impact

The world of work is evolving, and we’re taking new approaches to employment services to ensure what we offer reflects what’s needed now and in the future. We’re staying ahead of trends in the labour market, innovations in skills development, and the services jobseekers need to secure employment so that we are providing the most effective programs possible.

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Partnering with employers

ACCES Employment builds strong relationships with employers so that our programs are aligned with the needs of the economy, even as it evolves. The Stakeholder Advisory Council brings together the expertise of a diverse group of 19 leaders, sponsors, donors and alumni to ensure our work is always relevant. It is because of their real-world perspectives that we can build pathways to jobs, address the needs of employers, and anticipate the skills that will be needed in emerging sectors.

Mobile services

We know that not all jobseekers have the capacity to come to us. That’s why we’ve launched the ACCES Street Fleet, an innovative new mobile employment service that delivers support directly to the most vulnerable populations in the Greater Toronto Area. The retrofitted van was made possible through our donors and partners who generously contributed to our annual World of Difference fundraising campaign. We are grateful for our key supporters, Toronto Pearson, United Way Greater Toronto, and to HP Canada who donated technology for the mobile service.

SUCCESS STORIES

Geetika Kour

The Supply Chain Connections program was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to navigate the Canadian job market and secure a position in my field.

— ACCES Employment Alum

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06

Lead

Leading by
Example

ACCES has always had a vision for an inclusive labour force that reflects the diversity, skills, and experiences of Canada's population. Our fundamental belief that Canada needs a diversity of skills and viewpoints to move our economy forward also informs our own workplace culture and practices. As an employment service leader, we’ve grown to 200 staff across seven locations and have built capacity, infrastructure, and a culture of innovation so that employees feel a sense of belonging and pride in their work.

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SUCCESS STORIES

Geetika Kour

The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful for the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story.

— ACCES Employment Alum

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07

Financials

Financial Health

We are a non-profit, charitable organization with a strong commitment to the effective stewardship of funds. We adhere to high standards of transparency and accountability and are audited annually by an independent auditor on measurable outcomes. Each year, we report on our impact and our financial well-being to our funders and donors, sponsors and community.

Statement of Financial Position

As of March 31, 2025

Statement of Revenue, Expenses and Changes in Net Assets

As of March 31, 2025

“ACCES demonstrates a strong commitment to collaboration by working directly with employers across a range of industries to design programs that align with current labour market demands. This sector-specific approach ensures that newcomers gain the practical skills, credentials, and cultural understanding required to succeed, while employers benefit from a talent pool that is well-prepared and job-ready from day one.”

– Stef Saad, Co-founder & Vice President, Les Entreprises SmartLux Inc., and an ACCES Employment volunteer.

08

Future

Future Directions

Demand for employment services is surging as Canada grapples with a challenging economy that’s making it even more difficult for newcomers and marginalized jobseekers to find and retain jobs. Shifts in global trade, a shortage of workers resulting from an aging workforce and immigration policies, and advances in technology that are transforming skills required by workers, are making it even more imperative to have strong and innovative employment supports. By delivering relevant and timely employment services to all people who need them, we can build a resilient workforce that reflects Canada’s diversity, skills and experience.

Focus on underserved communities

Newcomers and marginalized populations have significant contributions to make in supporting our labour market. In the coming years, ACCES Employment will continue to provide pathways to jobs. To achieve a truly inclusive workforce in Canada, we’ll put particular emphasis on our underserved communities. We’ll work with those who face the most challenging barriers to employment and continue to find innovative ways to connect to those who should not be left behind.

Quick Fact

85%

of ACCES Employment clients have secured employment or enrolled in an educational or training program

Commitment to sustainable funding

As our services become even more essential, we’ll work to secure sustainable funding that will give jobseekers confidence they will always have a place to go for help. In the coming years, we’ll work to build a diversified portfolio of financial support that will allow us to reach more jobseekers, expand our services and adapt to the changing needs of the labour market. Public, private and non-profit partnerships will help us fulfil our vision and make a lasting impact for individuals and Canada’s prosperity.

Thank you to our partners

Demand for employment services is surging as Canada grapples with a challenging economy that’s making it even more difficult for newcomers and marginalized jobseekers to find and retain jobs. Shifts in global trade, a shortage of workers resulting from an aging workforce and immigration policies, and advances in technology that are transforming skills required by workers, are making it even more imperative to have strong and innovative employment supports. By delivering relevant and timely employment services to all people who need them, we can build a resilient workforce that reflects Canada’s diversity, skills and experience.

Click here to see a full list

Together, we have helped hundreds of thousands of jobseekers navigate the Canadian labour market, and have become partners in building the workforce we need for a robust Canadian economy.

We are grateful for your support.

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Back to accesemployment.ca
Guita Movallali, owner of a successful clinic for deaf children in Iran, sought help to continue her work when she arrived in Canada. Despite two decades of experience and a PhD, she was challenged by language and unfamiliarity with the Canadian system as she sought to establish herself in the Canadian job market. Through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program, she found the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals. Guita now works as the Executive Director at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you, ACCES, for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story,"
— Gurjeet Singh Taneja – ACCES Employment Alum
Guita Movallali, owner of a successful clinic for deaf children in Iran, sought help to continue her work when she arrived in Canada. Despite two decades of experience and a PhD, she was challenged by language and unfamiliarity with the Canadian system as she sought to establish herself in the Canadian job market. Through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program, she found the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals. Guita now works as the Executive Director at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you, ACCES, for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story,"
— Gurjeet Singh Taneja – ACCES Employment Alum
Guita Movallali, owner of a successful clinic for deaf children in Iran, sought help to continue her work when she arrived in Canada. Despite two decades of experience and a PhD, she was challenged by language and unfamiliarity with the Canadian system as she sought to establish herself in the Canadian job market. Through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program, she found the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals. Guita now works as the Executive Director at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you, ACCES, for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story,"
— Gurjeet Singh Taneja – ACCES Employment Alum
Farhad Mansouri had many years of experience as a government water resources engineer when he arrived in Canada to escape the political unrest of Afghanistan in 2022. He knew he had the qualifications and skills to succeed in Canada, but wasn’t familiar with writing resumes, networking and how to target his search. Through the Engineering Connections online program, he received one-to-one mentoring and coaching from professionals in his field. He also benefitted from a resume review, interview skills training, and the ever-important art of how to network. He soon landed a job as a water resources specialist at South Nation River Conservation Authority.
“A big thank you to ACCES. I found the staff friendly and supportive. I completed the program feeling prepared and confident to navigate the Canadian job market. I recommend ACCES to everyone!”
— Farhad Mansouri, ACCES Employment Alum
Guita Movallali, owner of a successful clinic for deaf children in Iran, sought help to continue her work when she arrived in Canada. Despite two decades of experience and a PhD, she was challenged by language and unfamiliarity with the Canadian system as she sought to establish herself in the Canadian job market. Through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program, she found the knowledge and confidence to pursue her goals. Guita now works as the Executive Director at the Parent-Child Mother Goose Program.
The warm and inspiring atmosphere, coupled with exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum, made me feel welcomed and equipped to tackle any challenge. I am grateful the opportunities ACCES opened up for me. Thank you, ACCES, for providing such an amazing program and being an integral part of my success story,"
— Gurjeet Singh Taneja – ACCES Employment Alum
Geetika Kour was an IT professional experienced in ERP software implementation when she came to Canada to explore opportunities in 2022. When she was not placed immediately, she sought programs to help her understand the Canadian landscape and bridge the gap between her international experience and the Canadian job market. Through the Supply Chain Connections program at ACCES Employment, delivered in partnership with Sheridan College, she got the tools she needed as well as networking opportunities with professionals in her field. She soon landed a full-time position as a project manager with an IT consulting firm.
“The Supply Chain Connections program was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to navigate the Canadian job market and secure a position in my field”
— Geetika Kour – ACCES Employment Alum