Expanded government program to help skilled immigrants

The governments of Ontario and Canada are expanding the Ontario Bridge Training Program to help thousands of skilled immigrants get licensed and find jobs in their fields.

To date, the Ontario Bridge Training Program has supported 50,000 highly skilled immigrants by providing vital services, such as education and skills assessments, clinical or workplace experience, occupation-related language training and exam preparation for professional licensing. Foreign-trained nurses, engineers, accountants, bankers, optometrists and IT specialists are among those getting the support, licensing and certification needed to connect them with jobs in their profession or trade.

“Bridge training is about making the journey easier for internationally trained individuals who want to put their skills and talents to work in Ontario,” said Michael Coteau, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “I am proud of the innovation associated with this program and the important role it plays in growing our economy and making lives better for immigrants and their families. Strengthening the Ontario Bridge Training Program is part of Ontario’s Immigration Strategy to help immigrants succeed and grow our economy.”

As part of the new agreement, Ontario will contribute $63.6 million and Canada will invest $16.6 million over three years to the Ontario Bridge Training Program.

“Our government is building an immigration system that is focused on economic growth and ensuring that all Canadians, including immigrants, are able to become successful members of society,” said Chris Alexander, Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “This program will help thousands of newcomers over the next three years get the training they need to work in jobs in their fields of expertise. By supporting this program, our government is providing newcomers with the tools they need to thrive and become members of the Canadian workforce.”

Since 2003, Ontario has invested more than $240 million in the Bridge Training Program.

www.ontario.ca