New Agreement Supporting More Newcomers to Get Licensed, Find Jobs. The Governments of Ontario and Canada are expanding the Ontario Bridge Training Program, helping 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.
By enhancing the Ontario Bridge Training Program, the governments of Ontario and Canada are investing in jobs and the growth of the province’s economy.
“Bridge training is about making the journey easier for internationally-trained individuals who want to put their skills and talents to work in Ontario. 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.”
— Michael Coteau, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
“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. 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.”
— Chris Alexander, Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
“When I arrived in Ontario, I wanted to use my skills and experience but had difficulty finding a job. The Bridge Training program at York University helped me reach my career goals, by giving me the training I needed to be successful in the Canadian workforce. I would recommend bridge training to any internationally-trained professional who has the drive to succeed in this province.”
— Sunitha Kshatriya, PhD, Ontario Bridge Training graduate
QUICK FACTS
More newcomers immigrate to Ontario than any other province — nearly 40 per cent of Canada’s immigrants land in Ontario.
Ontario will contribute $63.6 million and Canada will invest $16.6 million over three years to the Ontario Bridge Training Program.
The federal contribution to the Ontario Bridge Training Program supports Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Since 2003, Ontario has invested more than $240 million in the Bridge Training Program.
Source: CIC
