The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 hosted a job fair for the first time this year to welcome newcomers, immigrants and refugees to Nova Scotia on Wednesday.

Over 100 people seeking jobs were in attendance. Jennifer L'esperance, senior executive director of the Department of  Immigration and Population Growth, said that with 45 Nova Scotia businesses signing up for booths, the room capacity was at full growth.

Businesses from different sectors across Nova Scotia participated from healthcare, construction, education, marine biology, management services and more.

Jennifer L'esperance, senior executive director of the Department of Immigration and Population Growth, said that 45 Nova Scotia businesses signed up for booths at the fair that took place for the first time this year. Photo by Sara Gouda.

"This is just one more way that people are coming together to provide support for Ukrainian newcomers so that they know that they're welcomed in our communities, and one of the ways we can do that is showing that they'll also be welcome in our workplaces," said L'esperance.

Melissa Laffin, an HR recruitment advisor of Health Association Nova Scotia, said their organization is working on a centralized recruitment program that will help support their long-term care sector.

HR recruitment advisor for Health Association Nova Scotia, Melissa Laffin said there are positions available within the organization. Photo by Sara Gouda.

Laffin said they are hoping to hire workers for their Disability Support Program, and that there are a few job positions available within the organization.

"There's been a few internationally educated nurses so they can come in and work as TCAS or get their RN licensing, as well as community support workers where you don't necessarily need to have an educational background or certificate or licensing to work in that role."

Originally an immigrant to Canada, Mark Hosking, general manager at the Best Western Truro-Glengarry joined the fair in hopes to fill some hotel work positions.

"We have everything from entry-level positions, housekeeping maintenance, laundry area, front desk, and we're hoping that those people can stick around and move up in our industry as well for the rest of the province."

Catherine Maxwell, HR manager for Free Hand Hospitality, said their business is hiring for all positions within the restaurant from servers, bartenders, hosts server assistants, cooks, dishwashers and managers. Photo by Sara Gouda.

Catherine Maxwell, HR manager for Free Hand Hospitality, said their business is expanding quite rapidly.

"We've opened a number of restaurants down in the Queen's Mark district. We have three open right now Drift, Bar Sofia and Cafe Lunette with plans of expanding to up to about 11 restaurants in total. We're hiring for all positions within the restaurant such as servers, bartenders, hosts server assistants, cooks, dishwashers and managers."

In addition to members from the health and management sector, Steve Empringham, director of talent acquisition from Acadian Seaplants, a seaweed company, is looking for production workers.

Steve Empringham, director of talent acquisition from Acadian Seaplants, a seaweed company, is looking for production workers, research scientists, analytical chemists, microbiologists and more positions. Photo by Sara Gouda.

"We're looking for research scientists, analytical chemists, microbiologists, some skilled trades as well as like millwrights and maintenance technicians for South Shore plants."

Based out of Dartmouth, Acadian Seaplants is a global company servicing around 85 countries.

"We take the seaweed and we break it down into condensed liquid or powder and we create animal agriculture, human and health products. We then provide that globally and to other companies."

Brittany Colburn is from the Labourer International Union of North America (LIUNA).

Brittany Colburn, from the Labourer International Union of North America (LIUNA), is looking to hire people interested in construction. Photo by Sara Gouda.

"We're looking to find anyone who's interested in a career in construction. We have direct entry positions and apprenticeships available as well. You can go to work and you learn the trade on the job. We do offer pensions and benefits as well. So it is a great career option."

Also present at the event was Aramark, an American food service company that facilitates Dalhousie University's restaurants.

Mitchell Pate, Aramark's marketing coordinator, said it was a great experience meeting immigrants and refugees new to Halifax.

Mitchell Pate, Aramark's marketing coordinator, said it was a great experience meeting immigrants and refugees new to Halifax. Photo by Sara Gouda.

"We're doing an event trying to find some local talent for customer and food service. We're looking for people to work in our retail locations, or dining hall and also catering. It's great to meet all these immigrants and refugees and to see how excited they are to be here.

Shreya Jhaveri moved to Halifax three months ago from India and was attending the fair.

"I'm in the job fair today to look for a good opportunity in my own field, which is in human resources and management. I'm enjoying it. There are so many people and so many opportunities I'm looking at right now."

Listen to the full interview below: