Ontario is investing more than $6.2 million to help up to 1,550 Ottawa newcomers get the training and support they need to be licensed and to work in their fields.

Ontario's Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Michael Chan announced on May 20 that the government is investing in bridge training projects to help more newcomers get the training and support they need to be licensed and to work in their fields. 

This announcement is part of an investment of more than $38 million in in skills training to create jobs and strengthen Ontario’s economy. More than 10,000 newcomers in Ontario will benefit from the expansion of bridge training programs.

The funding supports five more bridge training programs that help highly skilled newcomers get the credentials, experience and networks they need to get a license and work in their profession faster, in areas such as finance, health care and information technology.

The 2009 provincial budget included a $50 million investment, over two years, to expand bridge training programs across the province.

“It’s critical for Ontario’s economy and newcomers that they are able to put their expertise to work as quickly as possible. Bridge training programs have proven successful in making this happen,” said Michael Chan.

"When I came to Ontario a year and half ago, I sent out over a hundred resumes but couldn't find a job in my profession. Thanks to an initiative targeted at employers to employ immigrants funded by the government of Ontario, I'm now working in my field as a financial analyst," said Juan Sarmiento, University of Ottawa. 

QUICK FACTS

§      - To date, almost 600 Ottawa newcomers are working as a result of provincially funded bridge training programs.

§      - Since 2003, bridge training programs have helped more than 30,000 newcomers.