Okanagan grocer nationally recognized for helping new Canadians

A local Okanagan grocery store is getting some national recognition from the Government of Canada.

Peter’s Your Independent Grocer (YIG) in Kelowna was one of the winners of the 2017 Employer Awards for Newcomer Employment for “its exemplary work to help newcomers to Canada find and retain jobs and enhance their employment skills,” according to a government news release.

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“Opening my mind and doors to people of all backgrounds has allowed me to grow, my team to grow and our store to be known as a place of welcoming neighbours,” said owner Peter Boyd.

“I am both grateful for and impressed by the leadership role that Peter’s YIG has played to support the successful settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada,”  Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen said. “Through its unique hiring and training practices, Peter’s YIG truly recognizes and breaks down the barriers that many newcomers experience when trying to find jobs, which makes a significant difference in the lives of newcomers to Canada.”

Peter’s YIG employs about 200 staff members, according to the government news release. More than 22 per cent of its staff have immigrated to Canada.