PixelPaddle at the 8th Metropolis Identities Summit 2025 – Advancing Employer-Led Workforce Solutions
Strengthening Canada’s Workforce Through Inclusive, Employer-Led Solutions Canada continues to navigate unprecedented global challenges that are reshaping both economic conditions and social dynamics. These shifts have brought new urgency to national conversations around migration, unity, diversity, and collective identity. As economic transformations intersect with mobility and settlement patterns, the country faces important questions about how to sustain cohesion while honouring its commitments to Indigenous reconciliation and official language communities. Against this backdrop, the city of #Saskatoon hosted the 8th edition of the Metropolis Identities Summit 2025 (29 – 30 Oct, 2025) under the theme: Reaffirming Canada: Confronting Challenges to Our Unity, Diversity, and Identities. During the Summit, IEC-BC delivered an interactive session titled “Supporting Employer-Led Solutions for Attracting and Retaining Immigrant Talent in Small Centres and Rural Communities.” This session explored the realities facing employers across smaller and rural communities as they work to attract, hire, and retain newcomer talent—an essential component of Canada’s economic future. The presentation drew on insights from IEC-BC’s Employer Navigator Pilot, developed in partnership with World Education Services (WES), as well as findings from regional employer feedback forums. Discussions examined what is currently working for employers, what barriers persist, and what support is required to build sustainable and responsive newcomer workforce strategies. One participating employer summarized the value clearly:“A personalized service like Employer Navigator is incredibly helpful. There’s so much information out there, but having tailored guidance makes all the difference.” IEC-BC extended a special thank you to employer speakers Meer Anwar (CEO, PixelPaddle Solutions Inc.) and Ron Sun, MBA, CPA, CMA for sharing practical insights and lived industry experience. Appreciation was also extended to the Metropolis Institute for hosting this significant national platform for dialogue and collaboration. The insights gathered will help inform future tools and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening newcomer attraction and retention in smaller communities across Canada. The session reaffirmed the importance of innovation, community partnership, and employer involvement in creating inclusive and resilient local economies. Insights From PixelPaddle CEO, Meer Anwar Representing PixelPaddle, CEO Meer Anwar shared perspectives from the viewpoint of a local tech employer and small business leader. Speaking during a fireside conversation with Ron Sun, moderated by Elham Ershad, CPHR, CDP; Meer emphasized the importance of employer-driven workforce solutions and the growing need for equitable and accessible pathways for immigrant talent. The conversation explored several critical themes, including: • Employer-led talent strategies• AI upskilling and digital capability development• Recognition of foreign credentials and equitable hiring• Inclusive workforce participation and long-term retention Meer highlighted that emerging technology companies like PixelPaddle play a vital role in shaping Canada’s future labour market. Through innovation in technologies like AI, AR/VR, and digital engagement platforms, PixelPaddle contributes to employer readiness, industry mentorship, and practical workforce integration, as well as offering newcomers opportunities to gain cutting-edge experience in globally relevant technologies. He also stressed the importance of collaboration across organizations such as IEC-BC, WES, and national partners. These partnerships are essential for creating systems that support both employers and job seekers while strengthening the economic and social fabric of Canadian communities. PixelPaddle extends sincere gratitude to the Metropolis Institute, IEC-BC, World Education Services, and all participating partners for fostering meaningful dialogue that moves Canada closer to a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready society.
PixelPaddle’s Role in Building a Future-Ready Workforce
Tech Innovation, Employer Engagement & Industry Alignment PixelPaddle is not only advancing the frontier of immersive digital sports and metaverse technologies—it is also actively contributing to the development of British Columbia’s local workforce ecosystem. As part of its commitment, PixelPaddle has been working closely with the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC), adopting their Employer Navigation Pilot Program to help identify employer challenges, streamline hiring practices, and strengthen engagement between employers and diverse talent pools. Recently, Meer Anwar, CEO of PixelPaddle, was honoured to participate in Bridging Skills and Immigration for a Future-Ready Workforce, hosted by IEC-BC. PixelPaddle took part in the Tech Roundtable, alongside other focus groups representing Healthcare, Education, Skilled Trades, and broader sectors—collectively exploring how immigration, technology adoption, and collaboration will influence Canada’s next-generation workforce. Industry Outlook: Where Technology & Digital Innovation Are Headed British Columbia’s 2025–2035 Labour Market Outlook shows that tech-oriented fields will continue to be key economic drivers: 1. Professional, Scientific & Technical Services One of the highest growth sectors in the province, generating 162,200 job openings (15% of all openings) over the next decade. B.C. Labour Market Outlook Repo…This category includes: 2. Information, Culture & Recreation Sector This broad sector—including digital entertainment, gaming, VR content, and spectator sports—will generate 44,300 job openings between 2025–2035. B.C. Labour Market Outlook Repo… Within it: This aligns directly with PixelPaddle’s Sports Metaverse ecosystem, which merges sport, fan engagement, AR/VR, NFTs, and interactive content. 3. Natural & Applied Sciences and Tech Occupations A total of 118,900 job openings (11% of all openings) will arise in engineering, software, network technologies, and related domains. B.C. Labour Market Outlook Repo… 4. A Province-Wide Demand for Skilled Talent Overall, B.C. will see 1,052,000 job openings between 2025 and 2035, with 65% arising from retirements—leaving a large skill-gap opportunity for emerging talent. B.C. Labour Market Outlook Repo… How Companies Like PixelPaddle Strengthen the Future Workforce From immersive sports technology to AI-enabled engagement platforms, PixelPaddle is well-positioned to contribute to both the Canadian and global job markets. Here’s how: 1. Addressing the Digital Skills Gap As industries rapidly digitalize—in AI, AR/VR, blockchain, and immersive media—firms like PixelPaddle help bridge skill shortages by: 2. Supporting Employer Readiness & Modern HR Practices Through IEC-BC’s Employer Navigation Pilot Program, PixelPaddle helps identify: 3. Preparing Talent for International Market Demands Given ongoing global tech shifts, companies like PixelPaddle can help workers align with international client requirements by focusing on: 4. Enhancing Local Job Creation Through Innovation PixelPaddle’s Sports Metaverse—covering VR environments, gamification, blockchain assets, and digital fan engagement—fits squarely within growth sectors projected for B.C. A thriving innovation ecosystem directly contributes to: Key Insights From the Roundtable (As Shared by PixelPaddle) 1️⃣ Build Local, Scale Global For Canada to remain competitive, local companies must think globally—leveraging immigration, diverse skills, and international collaboration. 2️⃣ Retention Is Just as Critical as Recruitment Employee growth, mentorship, and internal upskilling remain essential for long-term stability—especially in rapidly evolving tech sectors. 3️⃣ Collaboration Over Silos Cross-sector, cross-industry, and cross-border collaboration is vital. Many systems still operate in isolation, and bridging these gaps will drive transformation. 4️⃣ Developing Local Talent for Global Competitiveness Mentorship-driven models and industry-informed training remain the strongest pathways for a sustainable workforce pipeline. The labour market data confirms what innovators already know: the future belongs to agile, tech-forward ecosystems. Companies like PixelPaddle—working at the intersection of sports, technology, immersive media, and engineering—play a critical role in shaping British Columbia’s workforce of tomorrow. By innovating locally, collaborating nationally, and building solutions that meet international standards, PixelPaddle contributes directly to a more resilient provincial economy and a future-ready, globally aligned workforce.
PixelPaddle CEO Joins IEC-BC as “Mentor” in Strengthening Community Support for Skilled Immigrants
On August 16th, 2025, the Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia (IEC-BC) hosted a breakout workshop at the N3 3.0 Event under the theme “Bridging Expectations: Insights from BC Employers and the Role of Mentorship and Soft Skills.” The session highlighted the importance of building newcomer confidence in navigating the Canadian job market while equipping them with essential soft skills. Programs such as #MentorConnect and #ASCEND were showcased as impactful initiatives that connect newcomers with seasoned professionals and prepare them for long-term career success. Representing the spirit of mentorship and inclusion, Mr. Meer Anwar, CEO of PixelPaddle and Mentor at IEC-BC, actively participated in the event. As a mentor, he extended his support to new skilled immigrants, sharing his professional experiences and providing guidance on integrating into the Canadian innovation and business ecosystem. His contributions emphasized how mentorship plays a pivotal role in empowering newcomers, bridging cultural and professional gaps, and creating meaningful opportunities. This engagement also reflects PixelPaddle’s broader commitment to community support and inclusive growth. Beyond developing cutting-edge immersive solutions for the Sports Metaverse, PixelPaddle remains dedicated to strengthening the startup ecosystem, supporting economic growth, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. The company aligns its values with Canada’s equal opportunity principles by contributing to initiatives that prepare newcomers for industry demands, foster collaboration, and encourage job creation. Together with IEC-BC, Back in Motion, and other ecosystem partners, PixelPaddle continues to support initiatives that break down barriers and provide pathways for newcomers to thrive in British Columbia’s workforce. This collaboration not only enhances the Canadian job market but also reinforces the collective effort of building a stronger, more inclusive economy for all.
PixelPaddle Bridges Sports, Technology, and Academia Through #PixelCricket and Industry Collaboration
The integration of VR Cricket into #PixelPaddle’s digital platforms has sparked widespread attention under the banner of #PixelCricket. What began as an immersive and engaging sports experience has rapidly evolved into a transformational learning platform, drawing interest not only from youth sports teams but also from the academic community, eager to explore cutting-edge technologies and their applications. Academia Meets Immersive Technology Amidst this growing recognition, a leading academic institution identified the potential of PixelPaddle’s Sports Metaverse solution and approached the company for collaboration. The institution sought to both showcase its brand in an innovative environment and enhance student learning outcomes by aligning its curriculum with in-demand technology stacks and tools. PixelPaddle responded with a strategic partnership that extended beyond branding. The company provided critical support by helping the institution incorporate industry-driven skills into its academic framework, ensuring that students gain not just theoretical knowledge but also practical, market-relevant expertise. Focus College Collaboration One of the key milestones in this journey was PixelPaddle’s partnership with Focus College. Under the leadership of CEO Meer Anwar and his global team, PixelPaddle offered expert consultation to the college while actively bridging the gap between academia and industry. As part of this initiative: Industry Mentorship and Knowledge Exchange Beyond academic integration, PixelPaddle also piloted a unique program by inviting industry leaders to interact with students – #FocusTalks. These sessions allowed students to gain first-hand insights from seasoned professionals, learn from real-world experiences, and seek guidance in shaping their career trajectories. This mentorship-driven initiative has been highly appreciated across academia, industry, and youth circles alike. By connecting students with industry veterans, PixelPaddle is not only helping them plan their career growth with confidence but also fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability. Shaping the Future of Youth Engagement PixelPaddle’s collaboration with academia demonstrates how immersive technology platforms like #PixelCricket can transcend entertainment to become powerful enablers of education, skill development, and career readiness. Through such initiatives, PixelPaddle is staying true to its mission: As the initiative expands, the success of this model underscores the potential of blending immersive technology, sports engagement, and academic collaboration to not only transform learning outcomes but also contribute meaningfully to the future of work and innovation ecosystems.
Programmer – Game Engine
Job Title: Programmer – Game Engine(Computational Physics & AI Simulation)Location: Hybrid / Remote – CanadaEmployment Type: Contract / Full-Time Role Overview This role combines physics simulation, AI modeling, and 3D gameplay integration. The ideal candidate will help resolve physics challenges, enhance environmental realism, and use real-world and simulated data to model dynamic, responsive gameplay behaviors (such as ball trajectories, spin, and collision realism). You’ll collaborate with the development team to design intelligent, physics-aware interactions that make our Sports Metaverse and VR worlds feel more natural, data-driven, and lifelike. Key Responsibilities Qualifications & Skills What We Offer: How to apply: Apply in confidence to using the form below by June 30th, 2025. Join PixelPaddle and be part of an industry-leading team at the convergence of sports, blockchain, and the metaverse. This role provides an exciting opportunity to innovate and impact the future of interactive digital experiences. If you’re passionate about Unity development and eager to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the Sports Metaverse, we’d love to hear from you!