The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMCC) is celebrating successful partnerships between immigrants and local employers.

Last week, the MJMCC Newcomer Centre hosted an open house for employers to learn more about the process of hiring new Canadians, and the supports that are in place to facilitate that hiring.

Moose Jaw Ford was one of the local businesses in attendance, and they were held up as a success story.

In 2016 they hired Shakir Ullah, a native of Afghanistan, who was with his family in a Pakistan refugee camp before immigrating to Canada.

Ullah was a mechanic in his home country, and with help from the MJMCC, was able to find work in the MJ Ford Service department.

Service Manager Jason Fowlie said there were some initial concerns regarding communication, but they were quickly alleviated.

“Unless you sit down with an individual and talk with them and see the light at the end of the tunnel where they could learn all aspects of the English language, you won't know,” said Fowlie, who added that Ullah is “doing a really good job reading English and writing English, and things have panned out very well for us.”

As for Ullah, he says he is overjoyed at how things have worked out for himself, his wife, and five children (ranging in age between 10-17).

“I prayed ”God, help me...send me to a good country',” Ullah recalled, detailing his time in the refugee camp. “When they told me I was coming to Canada, I was very happy. For one week, day and night, I celebrated happiness.” 

Shakir Ullah inspects a vehicle in the service bay

Ullah praised the Moose Jaw Ford staff for  being patient and working with him to succeed in his new job, and he sees a bright future.

“It's a good city, good country, good people,” he added. “Now I'm very happy because my children's future..they will graduate here. I work for a better Canada and I want my children to graduate and work for a better Canada. My heart is Afghani, but I love Canada.”

Robyn Watson-Flegel is the for the MJMCC, and says that many newcomers have lengthy, impressive resumes.

“If you're looking for individuals with specific skills, or skills training, I'd be more than happy to pay a visit to see what your needs are.”

For more on the MJMCC, click here.