The Provincial Government is providing $45,000 to the Association for New Canadians (ANC) to support the delivery of an employment services pilot program for immigrants in the province. The funding enables the ANC to help unemployed immigrants find and maintain work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This week marks the first anniversary of the launch of our provincial immigration strategy, and a fitting point to acknowledge the important role that community partner agencies play in advancing the goals and objectives of the strategy," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "This employment initiative is an example of our government�s commitment to attract, retain and settle more immigrants into the working life of our province."

Immigrants face barriers to employment that require specialized supports to address their unique educational, social and economic needs. The employment initiative combines a series of intensive, short-term career and employment workshops with one-on-one counseling. It is delivered over a 12 to 14 week period to enable the individual to develop an employment action plan and to make the transition to work. The program will provide immigrants with career services that support essential skills development and increased employability. It includes components for portfolio development, job shadowing, interview preparation, and long-term job maintenance.

"Initiatives of this nature are extremely valuable in removing barriers and providing important supports to facilitate labour market attachment," said Bridget Foster, Executive Director of the Association for New Canadians. "I am delighted that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has demonstrated such a strong commitment to immigration."

For nearly 30 years, the Association for New Canadians has provided settlement programs and services to support the Newfoundland and Labrador immigrant community.

"Our government recognizes that improved access to employment services benefits the individual needs of immigrants in our community and the province as a whole," said Minister Skinner.

Please visit www.gov.nl.ca/hrle/immigration/index.htm for more information on Diversity ~ Opportunity and Growth, a $6 million immigration strategy for the province.

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