Ontario Government Helping Newcomers Find Employment

TORONTO - Ontario is helping 3,000 skilled newcomers get opportunities to land jobs that match their qualifications and experience.

The McGuinty government is investing $27.4 million in 40 provincial programs that will help newcomers bridge their international credentials and experience into Ontario qualifications.

The new expanded provincial programs are offered in the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener-Waterloo Region, Hamilton, London, Niagara Region, and Ottawa.

As part of Ontario's five-point economic plan, the McGuinty government is continuing to make major investments in the education and skills training of Ontarians.

Elements of the various programs include: <<

- Projects that are offered in the following sectors: education, engineering, finance, health care, research and innovation, social work and trades.

- Projects providing occupation-specific language and technical training, mentorship, skills assessment and work experience needed for various professions. >>

As part of the Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement, the federal government is contributing $8.1 million to partially fund some projects announced today.

QUOTES

"Ontario needs the global education, skills and experience newcomers bring to build a strong and prosperous Ontario economy," said Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Michael Chan.

"We have had great success with bridge training programs for health care workers," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. "By helping internationally-trained newcomers apply their skills in Ontario, we increase patient access to quality health care."

<< QUICK FACTS

- By 2011, all of Ontario's net labour force growth will come from immigration.

- About 70 per cent of adult newcomers to Ontario have post-secondary education or training.

- Since 2003, Ontario has invested over $85 million in 145 bridging projects to help 20,000 newcomers.