When more than a hundred newcomer youth gathered at Platform Calgary for CCIS’s first-ever Youth Employment Summit (YES), the energy in the room was unmistakable. There was excitement, a bit of nervousness, and above all, hope-hope for new opportunities and brighter futures.
The day began with a moving blessing and prayer from Indigenous Elder Daniel Mistaken Chief, grounding everyone in gratitude and respect for the land and each other. Soon after, University of Calgary Chancellor Jon Cornish took the stage, sharing a simple but powerful message: “Just start.” For many in the audience, those words were the encouragement they needed to take the next step in their career journey.
Unlike traditional job fairs, YES was designed with newcomer youth in mind. The event offered more than just resumes and business cards-it created space for real connection. Youth attended workshops, asked questions, and explored different career paths, while employers listened and engaged with the fresh talent in front of them.
What set the summit apart was its focus on action. Several employers were ready to interview and hire on the spot, turning conversations into real opportunities. Attendees could network, get advice from community partners, and even walk away with a job offer before the day was done.
Employers from across Calgary stepped up to support the event, including Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, KFC, Popeyes, Calgary Italian Bakery, Canadian Property Stars, Staples, Cargill, FedEx, RCMP, and many more. Their presence sent a clear message: Calgary’s business community is eager to welcome and invest in newcomer youth.
Community and education partners played a vital role as well, with support from the City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre, Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth, Immigrant Services Calgary, Centre for Newcomers, University of Calgary, Bow Valley College, SAIT, and Alberta University of the Arts, among others. Their collaboration helped ensure that youth felt seen, supported, and empowered.
At CCIS, we know that newcomer youth bring unique strengths, resilience, and ambition to our city. The Youth Employment Summit was a celebration of that potential-a chance to say “yes” to new beginnings and to show young people that their dreams matter.
This summit was just the beginning. With continued support from our partners and the community, we look forward to creating even more opportunities where newcomer youth can grow, connect, and succeed.
