WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, July 16, 2010 - The governments of Canada and Manitoba are cooperating to help internationally trained professionals participate in the provincial labour market. The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, along with the Honourable Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy for Manitoba.
The federal government will provide the Manitoba Department of Advanced Education and Literacy with over $1.2 million in funding for its project entitled Partnerships for Labour Market-Driven Bridge Programs in Manitoba's Post-Secondary Institutions.
"The Government of Canada is working to help foreign-trained professionals enter the workforce and keep Canada's labour market strong," said Minister of State Fletcher. "Our government is acting to ensure that newcomers succeed, by strengthening the economy and improving the quality of life of all Canadians."
Through this project's innovative partnerships, the Manitoba Department of Advanced Education and Literacy, the Manitoba Department of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, the Manitoba Department of Labour and Immigration, and the Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils will work with post-secondary institutions to pilot bridge-to-work programs that will help internationally educated newcomers gain access to the education, training and work experience they need to prepare for licensing exams and find jobs appropriate to their previous training and education.
"The Manitoba government has worked successfully with post-secondary institutions and professional associations in the past to identify and address barriers preventing internationally educated workers from finding employment in their areas of expertise," said Minister McGifford. "This initiative responds to the educational and credential needs of newcomers, as well as their need for orientation to the Canadian workplace. It not only encourages the efficient and effective movement of highly skilled immigrants into employment in high demand sectors of the economy, but also enhances our institutions' capacity to deliver additional bridge programming in the future."
The Government of Canada, through its Economic Action Plan, is investing $50 million to work with the provinces and territories and other partners, such as employers, to address barriers to foreign credential recognition in Canada. This investment directly contributed to the development of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, which was announced last November.
To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.