Economic Integration

Socioeconomic Integration at OII ensures that newcomers and young Canadians don’t merely arrive — they belong, prosper, and shape their futures with confidence. Our work through Rise & Lead and AskMe connects people to career readiness, educational access, mentorship, housing guidance, and all the systems that many find hard to navigate. We believe full integration means security, opportunity, and dignity for every person, because when people thrive, whole communities thrive too.

Why This Matters – Ontario Snapshot

Ontario’s unemployment rate in 2024-2025 reached ≈ 7.0%, tying with Alberta and New Brunswick.

Core-aged (25-54) very recent immigrants (≤ 5 years since landing) have an unemployment rate of 11.7%, compared to 5.3% for people born in Canada.

In Q2 2025, core-aged workers with less than a high school education experienced unemployment of ~13.7%, compared to ~5.7% among university degree holders.

Youth Unemployment in 2025 Q2: rose to 16.6% for Ontario youth aged 15-24.

Economic Integration

Programs Running Under This Stream

Employment, Education & Career Integration

Learn More

Financial Resilience & Economic Empowerment

Learn More

Program Updates

Underemployed and Overqualified: Canada’s Hidden Talent Crisis

Canada is often seen as a country of opportunity – a place...

Read More

Where We Stand: Socioeconomic Integration

At the Ontario Integration Initiative (OII), we believe that every newcomer and young Canadian deserves the opportunity to thrive with dignity, fairness, and equal access to opportunity.

Read More