MRU’s StartWork program helps refugees find employment in Calgary

Mount Royal University’s StartWork program has already helped 40 refugees in Calgary secure meaningful employment, allowing them to move off government income support.

Now, the initiative plans to expand to assist another 300 newcomers.

The program, run through MRU’s Institute for Community Prosperity, focuses on equipping refugees with certifications, skills, and confidence to enter the workforce. It uses a model called “outcome procurement,” where non-profits help participants find jobs and adjust to life in Canada, while the government pays for those services instead of providing ongoing income support.

Afshan Khurshid, a refugee from Pakistan with a PhD in chemistry, struggled to find work despite applying to jobs in labs, libraries, and retail stores.

“We want to do work. We came here not to sit here, but to build our future,” she said.

After joining StartWork, Khurshid received training through the Women in Need Society (WINS), one of the program’s partners. Initially placed in warehouse training, she was quickly recognized as overqualified and assigned to produce an environmental report for the organization.

“After getting the training for StartWork, I am feeling so proud that I’ve made it,” she added.

Program leaders say the initiative not only benefits participants but also saves taxpayer dollars.

Shaun Loney of MRU’s Institute for Community Prosperity explained that StartWork is seeking $14 million in funding—less than the $20 million the government currently allocates for income support. Redirecting funds toward employment services, he argues, helps refugees achieve independence while generating additional revenue streams for partner organizations.

Samantha Schmidt, program manager at WINS, is emphasizing the long-term impact.

“If we get them employed and they’re earning income that is more than their Alberta income supports, they are able to remain off income support. That money that was going to be paid in living allowance for them can actually be put back into our program to support in other ways,” she says.

With only 40 spots available in its first phase, StartWork is now preparing to expand to accommodate 300 more participants.