FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 13, 2026
St. John’s, NL — Executive members of Work Global Canada Inc., Paul Shelley and Wanda Cuff Young, have been invited to participate in the Tashkent International Migration Forum (TIMF) in Uzbekistan on May 18–19, 2026, alongside international migration agencies, educational institutions, and labour-mobility and social-inclusion organizations. The invitation was extended through the Agency for Migration under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On May 19, 2026 (Day 2), Shelley has been confirmed as a speaker and will deliver remarks during the Closing Plenary as part of the official program. His presentation will focus on two key points:
- Work Global Canada Inc.’s current and prospective projects planned in cooperation with Uzbekistan; and
- the organization’s experience and successful practices implemented in Canada in the fields of labour mobility, migration management, skills development, and migrant protection.
The forum, organized in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), will focus on strengthening safe, orderly, and regular migration. It is being convened under an initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, first announced at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha.
Bringing together ministers, international organizations, and key economic partners, TIMF serves as a leading global platform for advancing coordinated solutions in labour mobility and addressing migration challenges across Central Asia and beyond.
Paul Shelley, President and CEO of Work Global Canada Inc., highlighted the strategic value of the forum for Canadian employers and organizations.
“TIMF is a timely opportunity for Canadian employers to connect with partners in Uzbekistan and explore practical, responsible pathways that help address real workforce needs,” said Shelley. “By sharing what’s worked in Canada and learning from counterparts abroad, we can support well-managed labour mobility that benefits employers, protects workers, and contributes to sustainable economic growth.”
While in Uzbekistan, Shelley will also present a partnership opportunity titled Strategic Collaboration Opportunities Between Memorial Centre for Entrepreneurship (MCE) and Institutions in Uzbekistan. The collaboration is particularly important as Uzbekistan is increasingly emerging as one of Central Asia’s most dynamic innovation and economic development environments. The country’s investments in modernization, higher education reform, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and international engagement create significant opportunities for long-term partnership.
Addressing Canada’s Skilled Labour Gap
As a Canadian firm, Work Global Canada Inc. is delighted to participate in TIMF and to engage with international partners on practical, employer-informed approaches to labour mobility. Work Global Canada Inc. is participating as an invited, experienced Canadian organization in migration pathways for Canadian employers. The company recognizes Canada’s stated focus on addressing the skilled trades gap, including the recent federal announcement of a $6 billion, five-year plan to recruit, train, and employ up to 100,000 new skilled trades workers.
Federal projections indicate that Canada will require more than 1.4 million additional trades workers by 2033 to meet demand across housing, infrastructure, energy, and industrial development sectors. These figures underscore the scale of the challenge—and the importance of exploring well-managed international cooperation alongside domestic training and workforce development.
Through dialogue at TIMF, Work Global Canada Inc. will explore responsible international pathways—potentially including future Canada–Uzbekistan collaboration—that align with regulatory requirements and the needs of employers and workers. The company believes that access to in-demand global skills, paired with strong protections and transparent processes, can support workforce stability and help address persistent labour pressures in Canada’s priority sectors.
Wanda Cuff Young, who will participate as part of the executive delegation, emphasized the value of international collaboration.
“Engaging directly with global partners at forums like TIMF helps strengthen long-term economic and workforce partnerships,” said Cuff Young. “It’s a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas on responsible labour mobility and collaboration.”
The forum will address migration in the context of demographic trends, economic development, and climate-related challenges, while fostering high-level multilateral cooperation. Participation by Canadian employers and organizations—including Work Global Canada Inc.—reflects a growing interest in responsible labour mobility partnerships and practical, well-managed pathways that support workforce needs. Uzbekistan’s favourable demographics—including a relatively young workforce and an expanding base of skilled trades talent—make it a strong potential partner in meeting Canada’s labour market needs.
About the Tashkent International Migration Forum (TIMF)
The Tashkent International Migration Forum is a flagship global event dedicated to advancing international dialogue and cooperation on migration and labour mobility.
Hosted by the Republic of Uzbekistan in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, the forum convenes senior government officials, international institutions, and private sector leaders to develop coordinated, forward-looking migration solutions.
Contact:
mediareleases@workglobalcanada.com