The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) that will provide newcomers in ICTC’s global talent programs with access to Canoo, a national platform offering free or discounted access to cultural experiences, services, and resources across Canada.
Through this new partnership, participants in ICTC’s global talent programs—who are internationally trained ICT professionals with digital skills that are in high demand in Canada—will gain access to Canoo’s network of more than 1,500 museums, galleries, parks, and cultural experiences, along with discounts on services such as transportation and banking. By fostering cultural engagement and belonging, the initiative complements ICTC’s efforts to help global talent transition smoothly into Canada’s workforce and cultural fabric.
Canada’s digital economy is projected to employ 2.7 million people and contribute nearly $250 billion to GDP by 2030. However, businesses across the country continue to face significant challenges in sourcing talent with the right mix of technical expertise, business acumen, and soft skills. Skilled international talent is essential to closing this gap. International professionals bring specialized expertise in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science—areas critical to Canada’s productivity, competitiveness, and global leadership.
ICTC’s global talent initiatives are designed to attract, empower, and integrate skilled newcomers into Canada’s digital economy, closing critical labour market gaps while providing targeted support to Canadian businesses, driving productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. Access to Canoo will further strengthen these outcomes by enhancing newcomer integration and community connection.
“Newcomers in ICTC’s global talent programs bring the advanced digital skills and expertise that Canadian businesses urgently need to innovate and grow,” shares Lissa Matyas, Vice President, Capacity Building & Innovation at ICTC. “By complementing their career journey with access to Canoo, we are supporting both their integration and their ability to contribute quickly and effectively to Canada’s digital economy. This partnership with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship is not only about helping people feel at home—it’s about strengthening productivity, competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience.”
Learn More About ICTC’s Global Talent Programs
- ICTC’s GO Talent program connects ICT professionals with Canadian employers before they arrive to Canada, providing sector-specific career support and helping businesses access urgently needed skills. Learn more at https://goictc.link/GoTalent
- ICTC’s Work Ready program provides tailored support after arrival in Canada, including career counselling, mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. By 2028, the program will serve more than 1,500 newcomers, building direct pathways to employment and inclusion. Learn more at https://goictc.link/WorkReady
About ICTC
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a national centre of expertise dedicated to advancing Canada’s digital advantage through forward-looking research, policy advice, and workforce development initiatives. Learn more at https://ictc-ctic.ca.
About the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)
The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) works to unlock Canada for newcomers, facilitating and encouraging the journey towards full and active Canadian citizenship. Through programs like Canoo, ICC fosters a sense of belonging, creates inclusive spaces, and encourages participation in Canadian society. More than 550,000 newcomers have joined Canoo since its launch. Learn more at https://forcitizenship.ca/canoo/.
ICTC’s GO Talent and Work Ready programs are funded by the Government of Canada through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
