Advanced Education and Skills
July 22, 2016

Supporting the Attraction and Retention of Immigrants

Federal and Provincial Governments Take Action to Help Newcomers Find Employment in their Fields

Today, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, and the Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, signed a partnership agreement that will help foreign-trained workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Under the Foreign Qualification Recognition Agreement, newcomers will benefit from improved foreign credential recognition, allowing them to apply their skills and talents and increasing opportunities for employment in their fields.

�The talents and skills of newcomers are playing a crucial role in diversifying our economy and strengthening our labour market. Today�s agreement with the Government of Canada will improve the recognition of foreign qualifications and support new Canadians in this province by overcoming barriers and helping them find work in their fields more quickly.�
- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

Through the agreement, the Government of Canada will invest $800,000 to enable the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to share best practices and create partnerships among key stakeholders. Internationally trained professionals will get access to occupation-specific information, online tools and programs to prepare for their licensure exams. Workers in targeted professions such as nursing and engineering will benefit from opportunities such as mentorship and internship programs. The project will also help internationally trained skilled trades workers obtain certification and employment.

�Canada is at its best and most prosperous when all Canadians have a real and fair chance at success. This is why we are taking concrete action with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to help internationally trained workers get their foreign credentials recognized, so they can obtain jobs and contribute to our labour market.�
- The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

The agreement builds on the Provincial Government�s ongoing partnership with the Federal Government, and further supports the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which aims to attract and retain more immigrants to the region to address economic, labour market and demographic needs.

�This federal�provincial partnership initiative will have a significant impact on the assessment and recognition processes for foreign credentials in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through this collaborative action, internationally trained workers will be able to access additional programs and services to find employment in their field of expertise and accelerate their successful integration into the Newfoundland and Labrador workforce.�
- Eileen Kelly-Freake, AXIS Career Services, Association for New Canadians

Newfoundland and Labrador has been experiencing growth in immigration. In 2015, the province welcomed over 1,100 new permanent residents - a new record.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government has signed an agreement that will help foreign-trained workers in Newfoundland and Labrador benefit from improved foreign credential recognition, allowing them to apply their skills and talents and increasing opportunities for employment in their fields.
• Through the agreement, the Government of Canada will invest $800,000 to enable the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to share best practices and create partnerships among key stakeholders.
• Internationally trained professionals will get access to occupation-specific information, online tools and programs to prepare for their licensure exams.
• Workers in targeted professions such as nursing and engineering will benefit from opportunities including bridge-to-work, mentorship and internship programs. The project will also help internationally trained skilled trades workers obtain certification and employment.
• For more information on immigration, visit the Provincial Government�s Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism at www.facebook.com/nlimmigration

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2016 07 22                             11:20 a.m.