Bringing inclusive employment opportunities to local jobseekers

Recognizing that economic growth doesn’t benefit all communities equally, Sunlife has been an active partner in the Toronto-based Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity (ILEO) Good Jobs initiative since 2021.

Offered through the United Way Greater Toronto, the Good Jobs initiative is a neighbourhood–based, employer-focused program which aims to create opportunities for local job seekers in Toronto’s Greater Golden Mile (GGM) neighbourhood where many residents face barriers to employment. The initiative provides access to in-demand, quality, stable and well-paying jobs. Job seekers are referred for positions and receive training and support. 

Sunlife was the first participating employer, helping co-develop a hiring pathway for high-demand Disability Claims Adjudicator positions. Sunlife provided four-week customized training to 17 local applicants referred by ILEO agencies. Sunlife hired seven cohort members and as of December 2022, five members are building a career at Sunlife where they receive full-time employment and benefits. 

Sunlife is proud to support the program as organizers expand the scalable ILEO Good Jobs initiative to other priority communities. We believe that its inclusive hiring model, which provides opportunities to under-resourced communities, will help grow Sunlife’s diverse talent pool and bring inclusive economic growth to the city.