Gateways to Pathways: Talent and Industry Forum
1 University Boulevard
Markham ON L6G 0H2
Canada
A full‑day, in‑person forum bringing together employers, job seekers, community organizations and public‑sector partners to explore how inclusive hiring, equitable employment practices and collaboration can strengthen our local economy.
Presented in partnership with York University, York Region and York Regional Police, the forum supports a joint Memorandum of Understanding with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), productive employment and decent work for all.
Why this Forum is Important
Employers and job seekers are navigating a rapidly changing labour market. This forum was designed to move beyond a traditional job fair model and foster informed, transparent conversations about hiring practices, workforce needs and opportunities for inclusive growth.
The forum provides an opportunity to:
- Share insights on current and emerging labour market trends
- Explore inclusive recruitment and retention strategies
- Increase awareness of equitable hiring practices and labour trafficking
- Strengthen pathways between education, training and employment
- Build partnerships across employers, community agencies and institutions
Who this Forum is for
The Gateways to Pathways: Talent and Industry Forum is intended for:
- Employers and hiring leaders in actively hiring sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, agri‑food, STEM, public services, healthcare and life sciences
- Job seekers, including newcomers, youth, women, racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ and individuals who are unemployed or underemployed
- Community agencies and service providers supporting workforce development
- Educators, policymakers and institutional partners
What you can expect
A mix of presentations, discussion, learning and structured networking throughout the day.
| Time | What's happening |
| 8:30 a.m. | Registration |
| 9:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 9:45 a.m. | Presentation from AI Wilson, Executive Director, Workforce Planning Board of York Region followed by a Panel Discussion |
| 10:45 a.m. | Networking and refreshment break |
| 11 a.m. | Presentation and Workshop with Centre International de Formation des Autorités/Acteurs Locaux (CIFAL) of York University and York Regional Police Labour Trafficking unit |
| 12:15 p.m. | Networking lunch Booth Exhibition |
| 1 p.m. | Interactive Q and A networking session with local York Region employers |
| 2:05 p.m. | Networking lunch Booth Exhibition |
| 4 p.m. | Event Close |
Panel Discussion
This panel brings together employers, workforce leaders and community partners to examine today’s employment landscape from multiple perspectives.
Discussion topics will include:
- Recruitment and retention challenges across key sectors
- Inclusive hiring practices and best practices
- Skills and capabilities employers are seeking
- Job seeker perspectives on barriers to employment
- Opportunities to strengthen employment pathways and partnerships
Interactive Q and A Networking Session
A key feature of the forum is a structured, interactive employer to job seeker networking session designed to support meaningful two‑way engagement.
During this session, employers will share insights about their sector, hiring practices and employment trends and take questions from the audience.
More information will be shared in advance of the forum. Please check back for updates.
Location: York University, Markham Campus, 1 University Boulevard, Markham
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For questions or additional information about the Gateways to Pathways: Talent and Industry Forum, please contact @email
