News and Events

January 13, 2012

Cabinet Shakeup Brings in New Energy - Selinger

Premier Greg Selinger today announced the creation of a new children and youth opportunities department and made changes to cabinet, which he said will create new energy.

The newly appointed ministers are:

• Kevin Chief, minister of children and youth opportunities; and
• Ron Kostyshyn, minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives.

“We have a strong, experienced cabinet and today we’re adding two exciting new MLAs to our team,” said Selinger.  “Kevin’s already made a difference in the lives of many youth and in his new role, he’ll be in charge of creating opportunities for more kids and keeping them out of crime.  As a farmer himself, Ron will bring a strong voice for the priorities of farmers, producers and rural families to the cabinet table.”

The premier said the conservation and water stewardship departments will merge and he thanked several veteran ministers for their contributions and assigned them key new responsibilities.

The veteran MLAs with new responsibilities are:

• Jennifer Howard, minister of family services and labour;
• Gord Mackintosh, minister of conservation and water stewardship;
• Christine Melnick, minister of immigration and multiculturalism; and
• Jim Rondeau, minister of healthy living, seniors and consumer affairs.

“These are ministers who have worked tirelessly to make life better for Manitoba families.  I’m grateful for all that they’ve done and I’m excited to see them take on their new responsibilities,” said Selinger.

The premier said other strong members of his experienced cabinet team will maintain their responsibilities through challenging economic times and in the lead up to important federal/provincial discussions.

Selinger also announced the creation of a new Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet.  He said the new committee will be tasked with co-ordinating key government priorities to help meet the needs of Manitoba families and keep jobs and the economy growing.

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November 9, 2011

Harper Government helps internationally trained accountants get jobs

Toronto, Ontario, November 9, 2011—The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced a Government of Canada investment to help internationally trained accountants get jobs inCanada faster. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) received $1.4 million to streamline the application process for accountants educated in other countries. 

“Our government is helping newcomers find meaningful work that contributes toCanada’s long-term growth, competitiveness and overall prosperity.” said Minister Finley. “ThroughCanada’s Economic Action Plan, we are working with partners to improve foreign credential recognition so that newcomers can put their skills and experience to work sooner.” 

With this government investment, the Institute will create an online assessment tool that will validate foreign education and work experience.  It will also establish customized bridging programs to help these accountants complete any additional courses and examinations required to become a chartered accountant inCanada. 

“Skilled professionals are vital toCanada’s future,” said Kevin Dancey, President and Chief Executive Officer, CICA. “We welcome the federal government’s commitment to helping internationally trained professions contribute to their full potential as quickly as possible.” 

Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, the Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories, as well as other partners such as regulatory bodies, to address barriers to foreign credential recognition.   

In 2010, service standards were established so that internationally trained professionals in eight priority occupations, including accountants and engineers, can have their qualifications assessed within one year, anywhere inCanada. This is one example of progress toward a more fair, transparent and timely system for foreign credential recognition acrossCanada. 

This year, the Government started improving foreign qualification recognition for six more target occupations, including physicians and dentists. 

Additionally, Budget 2011 announced that Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada will test ways to help internationally trained professionals cover costs associated with the foreign credential recognition process, with specific details to be announced shortly. This initiative will complement the already significant investments the Government of Canada has made to support the labour market integration of newcomers toCanada.

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November 7, 2011

More Provincial Nominees Planned for Manitoba in 2012

 

Winnipeg, November 7, 2011 — The Government of Canada will continue to provide Manitoba with a record amount of space in the country’s immigration program in 2012, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Candice Hoeppner, announced today on behalf of Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

In 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to welcome 42,000 to 45,000 people under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), including nominees themselves, their spouses and dependants. CIC is on track to welcome a record number of provincial nominees this year and could set another milestone in 2012 if provinces submit enough nominations early on to fill their allotted space in the program. Manitoba’s proportion of all nominations was 24 percent this year. The PNP allotments for 2012 are still being finalized and will be released later.

Manitoba’s PNP has more than tripled, from around 4,000 people in 2004 to nearly 12,200 people admitted in 2010. Provincial nominees accounted for 92 percent of economic class admissions and 77 percent of total immigration to Manitoba in 2010.

“The Government of Canada recognizes the crucial role the Provincial Nominee Program plays in meeting local labour market needs,” said Parliamentary Secretary Hoeppner. “The Government will continue to work with provinces and territories in order to continue to spread the benefits of economic immigration across the country.” Today, 26 percent of all economic immigrants are now destined for provinces other than Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, compared to only 11 percent in 1997. The PNP has also become the second largest source of economic immigration to Canada.

Immigration is a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories. The PNP gives provinces and territories an active role in immigrant selection by authorizing them to nominate for permanent residence individuals who meet specific local labour market needs. Each jurisdiction is responsible for the design and management of their respective program, including the development of nomination criteria.

CIC conducted a national evaluation of the PNP last year and expects to release the results in 2012.

*Admissions include nominees, spouses and dependants. Final numbers for 2011 are not yet available.

November 3, 2011

More Federal Skilled Workers for Canada in 2012

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) remains the principal avenue for permanent immigration to Canada. In 2012, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) plans to welcome 55,000–57,000 federal skilled workers, up from 47,000–47,400 in the 2011 Immigration Levels Plan.

“The government’s number one priority remains the economy. We recognize the importance of immigration to our labour market and we value the contributions of skilled immigrants who add to our international competitiveness,” said Minister Kenney. “We are committed to facilitating the arrival of the best and the brightest to our country.”

An important milestone was reached this year when the backlog of FSW applications prior to the launch of the 2008 Action Plan for Faster Immigration was reduced by more than 50 percent – two years ahead of schedule. The higher range in 2012 will support labour market responsiveness and sustain progress on backlog reduction.

CIC completed an extensive evaluation of the FSWP in 2010, showing that the program is working well and selecting immigrants who perform well economically. The report found that 89 percent of FSWs were employed or self-employed three years after landing. Moreover, 95 percent of the employers surveyed indicated that FSWs were meeting or exceeding their expectations. The evaluation indicated a strong continuing need for skilled immigrants in Canada.

“CIC will continue to ramp up efforts to modernize our immigration system to make it more nimble and responsive to labour market needs,” said Minister Kenney. “Following nationwide consultations this past spring on proposals to improve the Federal Skilled Worker Program, we are actively exploring policy options on the way forward.”

A summary report of the consultations is being finalized and will soon be available on the CIC website.

November 2, 2011

Canadian Experience Class brings the world's best and brightest to Canada

Ottawa, November 2, 2011 — Following a substantial increase in the number of student visas issued in recent years, Canada has welcomed its 10,000th permanent resident through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) immigration stream, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced today.

The CEC, created in 2008, offers a pathway to permanent residency for international students and skilled and highly skilled temporary foreign workers. Through the CEC, those eligible can apply from within Canada and expect a decision quickly, whereas in the past, they may have spent several years waiting in the immigration queue.

The CEC is one of the Government of Canada’s most recent innovations aimed at ensuring Canada retains talented and motivated individuals who have demonstrated a strong work ethic, have an ability to contribute to the economy, and will easily integrate into Canadian life.

The Minister was joined at the announcement by Goomaral (Maral) Chukhalkhuu, originally from Mongolia, who was recognized as the 10,000th CEC permanent resident. Ms. Chukhalkhuu earned an Honours Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Carleton University, and then put her skills to work at a bank in Ottawa.

“As a student, I fell in love with this country,” said Ms. Chukhalkhuu, a Small Business Account Manager at RBC. “I knew I wanted to stay here and become a part of this wonderful country and the CEC offered me that opportunity.”

“Maral is a perfect example of a bright, young newcomer who has studied and gained work experience in Canada, and is now using that experience to contribute to our country,” the Minister said.

The CEC has received praise from many educational organizations across the country, such as the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC). "International student graduates are armed with the advanced skills employers need and move directly into employment in communities across the country. This is the real value of the Canadian Experience Class," said James Knight, ACCC President and CEO.

The federal government’s vision to ensure Canada benefits from the attraction and retention of international students is reflected in the $10 million, two-year commitment made in Budget 2011 towards developing and implementing an international education strategy. This strategy will promote Canada’s reputation as one of the top countries to study and conduct world-class research. Innovative colleges and universities are key partners in developing a diverse, skilled, and internationally focused workforce.

Retaining international PhD students will also be easier, thanks to a new initiative announced today by Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear. Minister Goodyear joined Minister Kenney to announce that foreign nationals studying at a doctoral level in Canada, as well as recent graduates of a Canadian PhD program, will soon be able to apply as Federal Skilled Workers.

“Doctoral graduates play a unique role in the economy,” said Minister Goodyear, “They drive research, encourage innovation, and pass along knowledge through teaching.”

Minister Kenney concluded by saying: “The CEC and the PhD initiative represent what we hope is the future of immigration to Canada: bright young people who have a Canadian education or work experience that will be recognized by Canadian employers, and who have strong English or French language skills. Such newcomers are set for success.”

November 2, 2011

Attracting and retaining international PhD students the focus of new initiative

Ottawa, November 2, 2011 — Canada intends to accept up to 1,000 international PhD students per year as permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Minister of State (Science and Technology) Gary Goodyear announced today, on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

“Doctoral graduates play a unique role in the economy. They drive research, encourage innovation and pass on their knowledge through teaching,” said Minister Goodyear. “And quite simply, Canada needs more of them.”

Starting November 5, 2011, many international PhD students will be eligible to submit applications for processing as federal skilled workers. To be eligible, they must have completed at least two years of study toward the attainment of a PhD and remain in good academic standing at a provincially recognized post-secondary educational institution in Canada.

Those who have recently graduated from a Canadian PhD program will also be eligible to apply, provided they do so within 12 months of their graduation.

“This initiative will provide Canadian universities with one more competitive edge in attracting and retaining top international talent to pursue their doctoral studies in Canada,” said Paul Davidson, President of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. “We welcome this announcement.”

“Attracting and retaining immigrants with high levels of skill will help Canada compete in the knowledge-based world economy,” Minister Goodyear added. “With this initiative, we are telling the innovators of tomorrow that Canada is ready to welcome them and their ideas.”

International students account for about one-quarter of the students enrolled in Canadian PhD programs.

April 19, 2011

Selinger Government Adds 1,200 New Apprenticeship Seats

Government on Track to Meet Four-year Commitment Of 4,000 New Seats: Premier

Budget 2011 will invest $4.5 million to create 1,200 new apprenticeship seats in Manitoba, providing better access for Manitobans looking to learn a trade, Premier Greg Selinger announced today.

"We are creating more opportunities for Manitobans and adding more skilled tradespeople to keep building our economy," said Selinger. "Our government made a commitment to all Manitobans that we'd invest in education and training to help young people get the skills they need to build a future right here in Manitoba. Today, we're following through on that commitment to create a total of 4,000 new apprenticeship spaces."

Since 2008, $11.75 million in new funding has been committed to increasing apprenticeship seats in Manitoba. The premier noted, the total number of active apprentices has increased by 132 per cent to over 8,200 since 1999.

"Manitoba businesses know it and everyday families know it too - better training and education opportunities are the key to growing our economy and they're giving families hope for a brighter future," said Selinger.

"This couldn't have been possible without new resources from the province and support from key stakeholders to move it forward including the Apprenticeship and Certification Board, employers and labour groups," said Leonard Harapiak, chair of the Apprenticeship and Certification Board. "Together we have designated new trades and expanded apprenticeship training opportunities for young Manitobans."

There are more than 50 designated trades in four sectors: industrial, transportation, construction and service. It is predicted that, over the next 10 years, 75 per cent of jobs will require technical post-secondary education other than a university degree, the premier said. In the next two decades, 40 per cent of new jobs are expected to be in skilled trades and technology. In 1998, that number was less than 20 per cent.

The province is increasing college funding by $3.9 million in Budget 2011. Funding for colleges has increased by 131.6 per cent since 1999.

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March 24, 2011

100,000 New Manitobans Added Over 11 Years: Bjornson

Statistics Show Increase Of 16,900 Manitobans in 2010

Manitoba has grown by 100,000 people over the last 11 years, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.

Statistics Canada figures show, as of Jan. 1, 2011, Manitoba's population reached 1,243,700, representing a growth of 100,035 people since the fall of 1999. This was an increase of 16,900　people over the last 12 months, the province's best population growth in nearly 40　years.

"Each day, more and more people are making the move to Manitoba because they know that our province is an attractive and affordable place to work, live and raise a family," said Bjornson. "Our government's Provincial Nominee Program has been very successful, accounting for three-quarters of all immigration to Manitoba."

This growth is more than double the current population of the City of Brandon. Previously it took Manitoba nearly 18 years to add more than 100,000 residents, the minister said.

Manitoba population growth rates of 1.38 and 1.28 per cent in the last two years, respectively, exceeded the Canadian average.

People are moving to Manitoba from around the world to drive this record-breaking growth, the minister said. A total of 15,805 immigrants arrived in Manitoba in 2010. The statistics show this was well ahead of the 13,520 who arrived in 2009 and the largest immigrant arrival since 1946.

Other information released showed:

Manitoba posted the fastest population growth in the country in the fourthquarter of 2010, with an increase of over 3,600 (0.3 per cent). Net international migration (an increase of 2,600) was the principal factor for the growth in the province.

 

Total net inflow to Manitoba from other jurisdictions in the fourthquarter of 2010 was 2,407.  This gave Manitoba the highest quarterly net migration rate per capita of any province.

 

During 2010, there were 16,143 newborns in Manitoba.  Not since 1994 have there been so many births in a 12-month period.

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January 25, 2011

Government of Canada Helping Foreign Trained Physiotherapists

TORONTO, ONTARIO, JANUARY 25, 2011—The Government of Canada is helping internationally trained physiotherapists find meaningful work faster. Mr. Dean Del Mastro, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement today.

“We recognize the importance of helping foreign-trained health care practitioners get jobs in their fields,” said Mr. Del Mastro. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are working with partners to improve foreign credential recognition. Projects like this one will help new Canadians put their knowledge and skills to work sooner in communities across Canada.”

The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators is receiving support from the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to improve its current system for assessing the education and work experience of foreign-trained physiotherapists. The Alliance will research best practices for credential and language evaluations used internationally and in related fields in Canada. This will result in a series of recommendations to streamline the overall licensing process for internationally trained physiotherapists wanting to practise in Canada.

Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, the Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories and other partners, such as regulatory bodies, to address barriers to foreign credential recognition.

In 2010, service standards were established so that foreign-trained professionals in eight priority occupations, including nurses and physiotherapists, can have their qualifications assessed within one year, anywhere in Canada. This is one example of progress toward a more fair, transparent, timely and consistent system for foreign credential recognition across Canada.

This year, we will start improving foreign qualification recognition for six more target occupations, including physicians and dentists.

The physiotherapists’ project, which is receiving over $100,000 from the Government of Canada, demonstrates how the Framework is bringing meaningful change to the way that newcomers’ qualifications are assessed and recognized in Canada.

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Backgrounder

With the Economic Action Plan’s $50-million investment, the Government is:

• developing the principles that will guide the process of foreign credential recognition;
• establishing standards for the timely handling of requests;
• identifying key occupations that will be the priority for developing recognition standards; and
• helping people who want to come to Canada understand what they need to know before they arrive.

Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, the recognition of foreign credentials and experience is being streamlined for key occupations.

The following are the first set of target occupations in the Framework:

• architects
• engineers
• financial auditors and accountants
• medical laboratory technologists
• occupational therapists
• pharmacists
• physiotherapists
• registered nurses

The next set of target occupations in the Framework are the following:

• dentists
• engineering technicians
• licensed practical nurses
• medical radiation technologists
• physicians
• teachers (K-12)

Under the Framework, internationally trained professionals who submit an application to be licensed or registered to work in certain fields, along with all fees and relevant documents to process the application, will be advised within one year how their credentials compare to Canadian standards. They may also be advised of additional requirements or be directed to alternative occupations that would benefit from their skills and experience.

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program aims to improve the integration of internationally trained workers into the workforce. The Program provides funding to and works with the provinces and territories and with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, post‑secondary institutions, sector councils and employers, to implement projects that facilitate the assessment and recognition of qualifications acquired in other countries.

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) was established in May 2007 to help internationally trained workers receive the information, path-finding and referral services, in Canada and overseas, to have their credentials assessed quickly so they can find work faster in the fields for which they have been trained. The FCRO works with federal, provincial and territorial partners, as well as foreign credential assessment and recognition bodies, to strengthen foreign credential recognition processes across the country. Internet services for internationally trained workers can be found on the FCRO website at www.credentials.gc.ca.

The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators is the national federation of provincial and territorial physiotherapy regulators committed to the development and improvement of regulatory standards for physiotherapists.

December 14, 2010

Information on Canadian Communication for Physicians Trained Abroad Program at Red River College

Information for International Medical Graduates.

Regarding the CCPTA (Canadian Communication for Physicians Trained Abroad) program at Red River College

Red River College will accept applications for the CCPTA program even after the application deadline has passed, and will consider late applications for the program, if there is space available.

There is an application deadline, but the poster does say that late applications will be accepted.  Staff at Red River routinely gives individuals information sessions or sends out application information to applicants after the fact.

There is an application deadline because they choose doctors through a selection process.  However, they have up until now, and will continue to, consider doctors, if they have space.

If they don’t have space,  Shelley Bates will be  happy to talk about the Program and give doctors information at any point. The gates are always open!

NOTE:
If you miss this opportunity to access the program at this time, you have to wait a whole year before you have another chance to enroll.  

December 7, 2010

Attitude is everything for an immigrant's career success

POSTED BY CALGARY HERALD ON DECEMBER 7, 2010


October 15, 2010

Beginning October 18, 2010, registrations for employment assistance programs and services will be taken at the new Manitoba Start Centre, located at 228, Notre Dame Avenue.

October 6, 2010

Provincial Nominee Program Evaluation Shows Immigration Program on Righ Track: Howard

Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard today released findings of an independent study which shows Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program is a success.

 

The evaluation, undertaken by University of Winnipeg professor Dr. Tom Carter, indicates an overall positive assessment of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and shows that nominees who come to Manitoba have mainly positive settlement experiences. 

 

"We are pleased that many newcomers are finding jobs, buying homes and building a good life with their families here in Manitoba," said Howard. "The study also provides us with some useful information on how we can continue to improve our programs and services."

 

Some of the main findings of the study show that:

·         85 per cent of provincial nominees were working after three months and 89 per cent had permanent jobs;

·         83 per cent were working in their fields or in a related field over time;

·         after three to five years in Manitoba, 76 per cent of nominees were homeowners;

·         there is a high level of satisfaction with the type, nature and quality of settlement and language-training services available;

·         95 per cent of principal applicants do not plan on moving to another province over the next five years;

·         91 per cent of nominees can communicate easily in English over time; and

·         provincial nominees express high levels of satisfaction with their communities as a place to live and a growing proportion are engaging in community activities.  

 

"This study shows that our programs are on the right track, however the number of newcomers who have difficulty getting their credentials recognized remains too high," said Howard. "We must continue to build on our programs to ensure that newcomers get jobs that match their skills and experience."

Manitoba government efforts to assist newcomers get jobs that match their qualifications include:

·         More pre-arrival labour market preparation services and language training services available to provincial nominees destined to Manitoba.

·         Job-specific language classes offered at the workplace to assist immigrants to function more effectively in jobs they currently hold or advance to higher positions.

·         Qualifications-recognition projects for internationally educated engineers, agrologists, nurses, doctors, accountants, early-childhood educators, bank and credit union workers, teachers, medical laboratory technologists and midwives.

·         The 2007 Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act which ensures that registration and assessment practices are fair, transparent, objective and impartial. The Office of the Fairness Commissioner has been established to support self-regulatory bodies to comply with the fair practices outlined in the act.

·         Manitoba's contribution to the development of the First Ministers'

Pan-Canadian Framework on Foreign Qualifications Recognition to improve the assessment and recognition pathways of internationally trained immigrants.

·         The Credentials Recognition Program which provides financial assistance to immigrant professionals as they proceed through the licensing process set by their profession's regulatory body.

 

Recently, the federal government has signalled that Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program will be capped at 5,000 nominees this year and next year, said Howard. The most recent information shows that Manitoba attracted 13,500 newcomers in 2009, 75 per cent through the PNP.

 

"The results of this survey will help us demonstrate to the federal government that Manitoba's Provincial Nominee Program has been successful in recruiting and retaining newcomers who help our economy grow," said Howard.

 "This very successful model should be allowed to continue to grow."

 

The study was based on personal interviews with 100 principal applicants and 50 spouses who arrived under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program.

 

The main components of the survey included the PNP application process, pre-migration information, employment, income, language, education and training, health and other services, housing, financial assistance, settlement orientation, participation in community activities, retention issues, advice to future immigrants, and demographic and household information.

 The study is available at:

http://www2.immigratemanitoba.com/asset_library/en/resources/pdf/pnp-manitoba-provincial-nominee-program-tom-carter-report-2009.pdf.                                                                                  -30-



September 20, 2010

Premier Renews Memorandum of Understanding for Co-operation with Republic of the Philippines

Manitoba to Strengthen Relationship with Philippines Through Further

Co-operation: Selinger

Premier Greg Selinger and Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz of the Philippines Department of Labour and Employment signed a memorandum of understanding

(MOU) today to continue a partnership that connects Filipino workers with potential employers, streamlines the immigration process and helps them prepare for a new life in Manitoba. In addition, Selinger said Manitoba will look for new opportunities to co operate with the Philippines in the areas of workforce development, health, education and culture.

"Our governments have worked together over the past two and a half years to make it easier and safer for skilled Filipino workers to find jobs and settle in Manitoba and we look forward to continuing this important

partnership," he said. "We also want to find opportunities and activities

to give back to the Philippines including in the areas of health and education."

The MOU identifies shared priorities and provides a framework for the orderly, ethical and effective recruitment and migration of temporary foreign workers that is consistent with labour laws in the Philippines and Manitoba's Worker Recruitment and Protection Act. Highlights include quicker processing of applications and improved training opportunities in the Philippines to meet the requirements and standards for entry into Manitoba occupations.

Manitoba officials will work with their counterparts in the Philippines to develop an action plan of collaboration between the Philippines and Manitoba governments. Areas of co-operation could include:

. Workforce development - Examining opportunities to better communicate

qualifications recognition requirements and identifying opportunities for skills-training development in trades, for example, in the Philippines.

. Health-sector collaboration - Collaborating regarding provision of

surplus equipment and supplies, logistics and supply chain management, knowledge transfer, clinical interests such as diagnostics, women's health and pediatrics, and administrative approaches such as planning, management

and organization of health-care services.

. Education - Connecting post-secondary institutions in the Philippines

with Manitoba post secondary institutions, facilitating partnerships between respective institutions and the kindergarten to Grade 12 sector, providing professional development opportunities and facilitating student/faculty exchanges.

. Culture - examining opportunities for cultural and artifact exchanges and

community-based cross cultural experiences.

As a first pilot initiative under the initial MOU, Manitoba Labour and Immigration and Manitoba Health partnered with the Assiniboine, Parklands, Brandon and Central regional health authorities (RHAs) and the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba to recruit registered nurses from the Philippines.

The premier noted the health-sector initiative is a prime example of this successful partnership and its benefits to Manitoba's workforce. In total,

122 nurses came to Manitoba and are currently living and working in their new communities and, to date, 119 have passed the Canadian registered nursing exam.

A total of 97 nurses applied under the Provincial Nominee Program to become permanent Manitoba residents and all of those processed under the program have been accepted.

"Regional health authorities have told us hiring these Filipino nurses has improved morale and ensured services could be continued," Selinger said.

"The RHAs have noted the nurses are integrating very well into their new communities and we are anticipating continued success with future recruitment efforts."

Manitoba's growing Filipino population accounted for 32 per cent of the province's total immigration in 2009.

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September 16, 2010

New Website Guides Regulatory Associations in Accrediting Foreign-Trained Professionals

September 15, 2010

The Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner (OMFC) has launched a website designed to help regulated professions make it more efficient and faster for immigrant professionals to establish their careers in this province, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard announced today.

"Many immigrants are highly trained professionals who arrive here with a wealth of valuable experience that would benefit Manitobans and enrich the economy," Howard said.  "The Office of the Fairness Commissioner and this new website will support changes to professional recognition processes to smooth their transition into this country and help them establish their careers as quickly as possible.

"The website is the product of collaboration and incorporates discussion and feedback on what information is needed and useful. The website is more than a source of information for regulators and immigrants, it is an active tool that has been designed to be comprehensive, inviting, active and user friendly."

Howard met with regulators earlier today to stress the importance of establishing clear and fair practices for qualifications recognition for immigrant professionals.  The website is designed to help regulators achieve this goal, she said.

"The site is written in plain language and presented in a straight-forward way," said Ximena Munoz, Manitoba fairness commissioner.  "This is what we are asking regulators to do when they communicate about their processes. In this way, the office is leading by example and embodying our guiding principles."

The Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner works co-operatively with Manitoba regulators to ensure their registration practices comply with the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professional Act.  This ensures that more internationally educated professionals are working to their fullest potential, with significant economic benefits to the province, the minister said.

The office implements the act to ensure registration practices are transparent, objective, impartial and fair.

Manitoba has already successfully helped many foreign-trained professionals obtain recognition for their qualifications, Howard said.  Since 2003, for example, about 30 foreign-trained engineers have passed through a qualification program to achieve their Manitoba licence and 85 per cent have found employment.  Another 39 foreign-trained engineers are enrolled in the program this year.

The new website of the OMFC is at

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www.manitobafairnesscommissioner.ca.


September 16, 2010

Manitoba Making it Easier for International Graduates to Stay and Work in the Province

September 16, 2010

Changes Give Manitoba Competitive Advantage to Retain Best, Brightest:

Selinger

Premier Greg Selinger today announced changes to Manitoba's successful Provincial Nominee Program that would make it faster and easier for international students to stay and work in the province.

"International students bring many benefits to our economy and communities, and we want to ensure we can continue to attract and retain the best and the brightest," said Selinger. "We are making Manitoba a destination of choice for international students and meeting the needs of businesses by providing them with better access to highly skilled and well-trained employees."

Beginning in 2011, international graduates from a post-secondary educational program of at least two academic years at a Manitoba institution will be able to apply immediately to the Provincial Nominee Program in advance of receiving an offer of employment. Previously, international graduates could only apply to the Provincial Nominee Program after working for a Manitoba employer for at least six months.

As part of the changes, international students applying for the fast-track program will also enrol in an employment-readiness program upon completion of their studies. The program will include job readiness, career coaching and job-matching services.

"By fast-tracking the immigration process for international graduates and helping them integrate into the job market, Manitoba will be well positioned to compete for and retain our highly skilled workers," said Selinger.

In 2009, Manitoba welcomed 13,518 newcomers, 75 per cent of whom came through the Provincial Nominee Program. Last year, 203 international students were accepted to the Provincial Nominee Program, three times more than in 2005. The top source countries of International Students nominated to Manitoba are China (65 per cent), India (five per cent), Bangladesh (three per cent), Korea and Pakistan (two per cent each). The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program has approved over 1,000 international students since 2005.

Manitoba had 5,384 international students studying at Manitoba institutions in 2009.

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September 13, 2010

Governments of Canada and Manitoba take action to help newcomers succeed

September 13, 2010

Pre-arrival Services for Provincial Nominees to be Piloted in Manitoba

BEIJING-Already a leader in attracting and integrating provincial nominees, Manitoba is partnering with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges

(ACCC) through the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP) to pilot a new pre-arrival initiative for provincial nominees destined for Manitoba.

This initiative, funded by the federal Department of Citizenship and Immigration, was announced here today by Premier Greg Selinger and federal Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney.

"Manitoba is dedicated to providing more supports to assist provincial nominees to begin their employment and settlement planning before they arrive in our province," said Selinger. "The more informed and prepared immigrants are before they arrive, the more likely they are to achieve their career goals and contribute to Manitoba's economic growth."

To start, the pilot initiative will provide Manitoba nominees in China and the Philippines with pre-arrival settlement orientation and labour-market preparation services. These services will include the development of a career plan based on Manitoba-specific labour-market information and guidance on qualifications recognition procedures. It will then be adapted for provincial nominees destined to other provincial jurisdictions as well as for Manitoba nominees in other parts of the world.

These new services for provincial nominees will be delivered through phase

2 of the CIIP, funded through a $15-million contribution agreement from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

 "Pre-arrival services are an essential part of our strategy to help newcomers succeed. ACCC's partnership with Manitoba to create province-specific CIIP information and services is an important step in our commitment to prepare immigrants before they arrive in Canada," said Kenney. "This pilot demonstrates our aim to meet specific needs of newcomers destined for provinces across the country."

"ACCC members play a vital role in the economic integration of newcomers in Canada," said James Knight, president and CEO of ACCC. "Through ACCC's overseas offices, they are also providing pre-arrival advice to federal skilled workers in their country of origin. Red River College has been delivering this service for three years and is now working with ACCC and the Manitoba government to develop overseas pre-arrival services for provincial nominees."

Prior to arriving in Canada, nominees will also have access to Manitoba's successful English Online language program which provides facilitated English-language training using Manitoba specific scenarios. Students will be able to interact with adult English-as-an-additional-language teachers based in Manitoba, who will provide one-on-one guidance throughout the student's training.

The initiative will begin in November with approximately 40 Manitoba nominees. CIIP services for provincial nominees will be available at all CIIP locations in the coming year.

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July 22, 2010

Eastman Immigrant Services Centre in Steinbach Officially Opened by Premier

July 22, 2010

STEINBACH - The new location for Eastman Immigrant Services and the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce at 284 Reimer Ave. was officially opened here today by Premier Greg Selinger and local dignitaries.

"Our government strongly supports the successful settlement of immigrant newcomers in Manitoba and the efforts of communities to welcome newcomers and help them and their families begin a new life in our province,"

Selinger said. "This new centralized settlement service will play an essential role in helping new Manitobans integrate into our social and economic life, whether through developing language skills, finding jobs or ensuring they quickly become part of the community and enjoy the many benefits this province has to offer."

Settlement services are provided by Eastman Immigrant Services to newcomers living in Steinbach, Beausejour and Oakbank. Services include orientation, employment counselling, job and language referrals, special events and activities. Mobile services are also provided as requested in additional communities. Targeted community integration activities have included a women's group, information for newcomers who speak low German, cultural

information exchanges and games such as quizzes.

By consolidating all of its services in one easily accessible central location, the Steinbach office will be able to offer new immigrants to the Eastman region a single doorway to the services they need upon arrival in Manitoba, said the premier.

Last year, Eastman Immigrant Services assisted over 200 new families settle in the region, while the number of clients accessing settlement services grew to over 900. Many of the immigrants were from Germany, Paraguay and the Philippines.

An English at Work program co-ordinated by the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce offers job-specific language classes at four local workplaces including Biovail, Granny's Poultry, Hytek and Barkman Concrete. A new English Skills for Work program is also planned to begin in the fall of 2010. This high-level program will help immigrants learn specific language skills such as pronunciation.

English as an Additional Language is provided by South Eastman English and Literacy Services, which offers community-based classes in Steinbach, Niverville, Grunthal, Lorette and Oakbank.

Immigration to Steinbach has more than doubled from 138 newcomers in 2002 to 409 in 2009. Overall, Manitoba received 13,520 immigrants in 2009, an increase of 20.5 per cent from 2008 (11,218), and 263 per cent over 1999 (3,725).

With support from the federal government, Manitoba Labour and Immigration has provided $322,693 to Eastman Immigrant Services this year, with an additional $50,000 for the English at Work program. Funding to Eastman Immigrant Services has more than doubled since 2006-07. In addition, South Eastman English and Literacy Services received $256,000 in funding this year.

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June 26, 2010

Government of Canada will welcome more economic immigrants in 2010

Government of Canada will welcome more economic immigrants in 2010

Toronto, June 26, 2010 — Canada is adjusting its 2010 immigration plan to put even greater emphasis on economic recovery and further reduce the federal skilled worker backlog, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney told a news conference today.

“When I met with my provincial colleagues last week, they all stressed the importance of economic immigration,” Minister Kenney said. “As we recover from the recession, increasing economic immigration will help ensure employers have the workers they need to supplement our domestic labour supply.”

Each year, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) sets out a plan for the number of immigrants it intends to welcome within economic, family and humanitarian immigration categories. The planned range for 2010 is 240,000 – 265,000 immigrants. CIC generally achieves the midpoint of this range. In 2010, CIC anticipates achieving the upper end of this range, allowing Canada to welcome more immigrants in the economic category than originally planned. This includes federal skilled workers and record-level numbers of provincial nominees, without reducing the number in the family or humanitarian immigration categories.

Minister Kenney noted that some of his provincial colleagues expect the need will grow further in the years ahead. “This is something we will need to take into consideration when we consult more broadly on plans for future years,” he said.

Even with higher numbers of economic immigrants, Canada still receives many more applications than can be processed in a timely way. As a result, the department is limiting the number of new applications it will consider in the federal skilled worker category every year.

“Canada will continue to welcome historically high numbers of immigrants, but we need to manage the number of new applications or risk creating new backlogs and longer processing times,” Minister Kenney said. “We have more than enough applications on hand now to fill many of our needs, and we want to be fair to those people who have been waiting the longest.”

Effective immediately, to be eligible to apply as a federal skilled worker, applicants must either have a job offer, or they must have experience in one of 29 in-demand occupations. These occupations were identified through analysis of updated labour market information and consultations with provinces, territories, stakeholders and the public.

For those applying under the occupation list, the government will limit the number of applications considered for processing to 20,000 per year as a way to better manage the supply of applications with labour market demand. Within the 20,000 limit, a maximum of 1,000 applications per occupation will be considered. The limit does not apply to applicants with a job offer.

In addition, all federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class applicants must submit the results of an independent language test before they will be considered.

Other than the language test result requirement, these changes apply only to the federal skilled worker immigration category. The authority for the changes, known as ministerial instructions, comes from amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act approved by Parliament in 2008 as part of the Action Plan for Faster Immigration.

The instructions are meant as a flexible tool to allow the government to keep the intake of applications for economic immigration in line with the number and types of jobs available in Canada, as well as reduce application backlogs and processing times.

Since the first instructions were issued in November 2008, the backlog of federal skilled worker applicants in process prior to the legislation has dropped from 640,000 to 380,000. The majority of decisions on new applications are being made in six to 12 months, compared with up to six years prior to the changes. But in the first quarter of 2010, the number of new applications rose significantly beyond the department’s ability to process them in a timely way, leading to the recognition that a more refined approach is necessary.

“These changes bring Canada in line with the practices of the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, our main competitors for skilled immigrants,” said Minister Kenney. “They help match the supply of applicants to our processing capacity and today’s post-recession job market needs. This is the only responsible way to manage our immigration system.”

The Government is also proposing new eligibility criteria for the immigrant investor program so it makes an even greater contribution to the Canadian economy. Proposed regulatory changes will require new investors to have a personal net worth of $1.6M, up from $800,000, and make an investment of $800,000, up from $400,000. These proposals were pre-published today in the Canada Gazette for a 30-day public comment period.

Canada’s current criteria for investors are the lowest in the world, and have not been changed since 1999. As a result the program draws a larger number of applicants than can be admitted every year under the immigration plan, and processing times are increasing.

Until the changes are finalized, the Government will stop accepting new investor applications to prevent a flood of applications before the new criteria take effect, which would stretch processing times even further. When the new criteria are in place, new applications will be processed alongside the old ones. In this way, Canada can begin to realize the benefits of the changes immediately.

“Canada needs investor immigrants,” said Minister Kenney. “These changes are necessary to keep Canada’s program competitive with that of other countries, and keep pace with the changing economy.”

June 23, 2010

Three-part Publication Tells Story of Manitoba's Diverse Ethnic Heritage

June 22, 2010

Multiculturism Shaped Province as Immigrants Forged New Lives: Marcelino, Howard

In celebration of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino and Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard today launched the first part of a three-part publication entitled Ethnicity Series - a Demographic Portrait of Manitoba.
 
"Throughout history, generations of immigrants have arrived in Manitoba to forge a new life," said Marcelino.  "Multiculturalism is alive and celebrated in our communities as new immigrants and a large number of Manitoba-born residents continue to identify with their ethnic origins and contribute to our province's rich multicultural mosaic."
 
"This series of publications helps to capture the essence of Manitoba's diversity by outlining current trends in Manitoba's regions as well as Winnipeg's community areas," said Howard. "By having more detailed information about the makeup of Manitoba's communities, service providers and agencies we will be in a better position to plan and target their activities."
 
The three-part series provides readers with Manitoba-specific demographic
information:
·         Volume 1 presents the population by country of birth. It focuses on the foreign-born population and its recent regional distribution across Manitoba and Winnipeg.
·         Volume 2, to be released later this year, will present the mother tongues of Manitobans.
·         Volume 3 will provide details about visible minority groups in Manitoba and will show census responses about ethnic origins of Manitobans.
 
This unique series is the first of its kind in Manitoba. Copies of the publication will be available online on the Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism website at www.gov.mb.ca/chc and the Manitoba Labour and Immigration website at www.immigratemanitoba.com.
 
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POSTED BY ON JUNE 23, 2010


May 11, 2010

Government of Canada Announces Funding to Support 15 New Family Medicine Positions for Canada's North

WINNIPEG - The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today announced federal funding for a University of Manitoba pilot project to increase the number of family medicine residency positions for Canada's North.

The expansion of the Northern and Remote Family Medicine Residency Program, which constitutes an investment of just over $6.9 million, will provide extensive medical training for 15 additional family medicine residents over the next four years. These family physicians will have the necessary training and experience to practice medicine in under-serviced areas in rural and isolated regions of Manitoba, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

"The Government of Canada is working to ensure that all Canadians have access to quality health care services," said Minister Aglukkaq. "This project will strengthen the number of fully trained family doctors qualified to deliver health care to patients in Canada's rural and remote communities."

"We are grateful to the federal government for its extremely generous support to the Northern and Remote Family Medicine Residency Program," said Dr. David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Manitoba. "The program will improve access to physicians, health-care delivery and service to northern and remote communities, provide vital technology supports, and encourage more doctors to remain living and working in all areas of Manitoba."

The pilot project will concentrate on northern and Aboriginal health issues to provide more equitable health care for northern and Aboriginal communities and increase telehealth and tele-education capabilities for northern and remote residents and physicians.

"The Government of Manitoba is delighted with this significant federal investment to expand our unique, made-in-Manitoba pilot project launched just last year," said the Honourable Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health for Manitoba. "These new residency positions will go a long way toward improving care for rural, northern and Aboriginal Manitobans."

"The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is pleased to support the expansion of the Northern and Remote Family Medicine Residency Program," said Grand Chief Ron Evans, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. "The success of this program demonstrates the importance of collaborative working partnerships between the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Medicine, the Manitoba First Nation Centre of Aboriginal Health Research and Health Canada to ensure sustainable and accessible health care for First Nations people in northern and remote communities in Manitoba."

Partners in this project include Manitoba Health, J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit, Manitoba Telehealth, Manitoba Regional Health Authorities, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the Government of Nunavut.

Funding of $6,939,419 over four years is provided by Health Canada through the Pan-Canadian Health Human Resources Strategy.

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April 15, 2010

Manitoba reports largest one-year increase in nurses on record

April 15, 2010

Nearly 500 More Nurses Working in Manitoba This Year
After Record Number of Doctors Added Last Year:  Oswald

According to new data from Manitoba's nursing colleges, 498 more nurses are practising in Manitoba today compared to this time last year, representing the province's largest-recorded annual increase, Health Minister Theresa Oswald announced today.
 
"Since our government launched our nursing strategy 10 years ago, we have invested aggressively in education, recruitment and retention of nurses," said Oswald.  "Today we are seeing the results of this strategy with a record-setting increase in the number of nurses working for Manitobans."
 
The number of practising Manitoba nurses has climbed every year since 2000, to 16,624 in 2009 from 14,092 in 2000, a net increase of 2,532.
 
Manitoba continues to invest in nurse training, recruitment and retention initiatives consisting of targeted programs that help attract and keep nurses in northern and rural communities including:

- a relocation assistance program that has benefited 1,286 nurses by providing up to $8,000 to cover the costs of moving to this province, with 421 nurses choosing to work in rural Manitoba;

- a grant program for new nurse graduates who choose to work in rural Manitoba;

- an ongoing recruitment campaign to attract nurses from other provinces and other countries including more than 100 new nurses from the Philippines; and

- nearly doubling the number of training seats for nurses at post-secondary institutions across Manitoba since 1999.

Updated nursing workforce data, including a breakdown of active practising Manitoba nurses, training data, information on recruitment initiatives and an update on total funded, filled and vacant positions, is available at www.manitoba.ca/health/nurses.

"Managing health care during difficult economic times is about choices," said Oswald.  "Our government's choice at this time is to continue to invest rather than cut front-line services as has been done in the past when times were tough."

Data from the colleges' annual reports indicate the province gained 467 registered nurses, 23 licensed practical nurses and 16 nurse practitioners in the past year.

The new numbers represent a net gain of 943 nurses in three years, already surpassing the government's 2007 commitment of adding 700 nurses over four years, said Oswald. 
 
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April 15, 2010

Province extends fitness tax credit to young adults

April 15, 2010

Centenarian Swimmer Jaring Timmerman Inducted Into Order of the Buffalo Hunt For Life-long Commitment to Healthy Living

Manitoba's Children's Fitness Tax Credit will be extended to include claims for organized physical activities of young adults aged 16 to 24 starting in 2011, Premier Greg Selinger and Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau announced today at the grand opening of Sport Manitoba's new Sport For Life Centre, where the premier also inducted world-record-holding 101-year-old swimmer Jaring Timmerman into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt.    

"Young adults have been known to reduce their fitness activities as they graduate from high school and the physical education classes and team sports that go with it," said Selinger.  "Jaring Timmerman exemplifies the benefits of life-long physical activity and the extension of this tax credit will help Manitobans follow his example."

Now called the Fitness Tax Credit, the change is intended to encourage young people to continue in organized physical activity as they become adults and transition from school to the workforce.  Eligible fitness activities, as defined under federal legislation for the children's tax credit, with costs totalling $500 or less, can be claimed by the young adult, a spouse or parent.  As a tax credit, this will reduce the Manitoba income tax otherwise payable in a year.  As is currently the case for the children's tax credit, young adults with a disability will be eligible for an additional tax credit.  This is the first step toward meeting the commitment made in the 2009 speech from the throne to phase in a new adult fitness credit, said Selinger.

"Our government has been at the forefront of promoting physical activity as a life-long practice," said Rondeau.  "Encouraging young people to establish good habits at an early age increases the likelihood that they'll be on the right track for life." 

The Fitness Tax Credit is one component of Manitoba's comprehensive approach to raise activity levels and reduce barriers to physical activity.  The vision is to make Manitobans healthier by increasing physical activity in the province by 10 per cent by this year and by 20 per cent by 2015.  Manitobans are on track to meet these targets, said Rondeau.  The ultimate goal is for Manitobans be the healthiest, most physically active people in Canada, he added. 

Another component of the overall approach is Manitoba in motion, a program to help all Manitobans make physical activity part of their daily lives for health and enjoyment.  Communities, schools and workplaces across the province are participating.  Manitoba in motion provides tips and tools for Manitobans wanting to get active.  Details are available on the website at www.manitobainmotion.ca.  Manitoba in motion received the national 2008 Canada in motion Russ Kisby Physical Activity Leadership Award for excellence in physical activity leadership.

Jaring Timmerman, an in motion champion himself, joins other notable Manitoba athletes inducted into the Order of the Buffalo Hunt including Jonathan Toews and Milt Stegall. 

The Order of the Buffalo Hunt was founded in 1957 to recognize the outstanding and distinctive contributions of leaders in areas such as politics, business, sports and entertainment.

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April 9, 2010

Minimum wage to increase to $9.50 per hour October 1, 2010

Fri, 9 Apr 2010

Subject: Province Balancing Needs of 28,000 Minimum Wage Earners with Needs of Manitoba Businesses: Howard

MINIMUM WAGE TO INCREASE TO $9.50 PER HOUR OCT. 1 – – – Province Balancing Needs of 28,000 Minimum Wage Earners with Needs of Manitoba Businesses: Howard

The province will increase the minimum wage by 50 cents to $9.50 an hour on Oct. 1, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard announced today.
 
“This increase will help maintain the spending power of approximately 28,000 people working in minimum-wage jobs,” said Howard.  “The improved wage will give them a fairer income while helping Manitoba businesses recruit and retain workers.”
 
The minimum wage rate last increased by 25 cents to $9 per hour on Oct. 1, 2009, following an additional 25-cent increase on May 1, 2009.
 
The Labour Management Review Committee (LMRC), composed of equal representatives from labour and business organizations, reviewed the minimum wage and submitted a non-consensus report with recommendations ranging from a 30-cent increase to be effective Oct. 1 to a 75-cent increase to be effective April 1.
 
The timing of the increase is sensitive to employer concerns about the effect of increasing costs during the recovery from the recession. The LMRC also concluded that historically minimum wage increases have not been the predominant factor causing unemployment in Manitoba.
 
“While minimum wage increases do raise costs for business, it is important to keep in mind that tax decreases since 1999 will save Manitoba firms $422 million annually,” Howard said. “In December, Manitoba will be the first province to have eliminated its small business tax.”
 
With this increase to the minimum wage, Manitoba will maintain its position near the middle of Canadian rates. Regular increases to the minimum wage are an important factor in reducing poverty and are part of ALL Aboard, Manitoba’s poverty reduction strategy, said the minister.
 
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March 31, 2010

Westman Area Receives $1.7 million to help immigrants succeed.

Funding Nearly Triples Since 2007
For Language and Settlement Services:  Howard

Newly arrived Manitobans to Brandon and the Westman region will benefit from $260,000 in additional funding for settlement services and adult language training, Labour and Immigration Minister Jennifer Howard announced today.

"We recognize that Westman communities have seen tremendous growth in immigration and this increase in funding ensures that new Manitobans will continue to have access to the many settlement services available," said Howard.

The new funding will bring the total support from Manitoba Labour and Immigration and Citizenship and Immigration Canada to nearly $1.7 million for the Westman region, a 19 per cent increase over last year.  Since 2007, funding for settlement and language training programming in the Westman region has nearly tripled.

Settlement, integration and language-training services being funded include:
- day and evening adult language training in Brandon, English for bank tellers and trades, language labs, tutoring and evening classes in Dauphin, Russell, Binscarth, and Roblin, offered by Assiniboine Community College;

- adult language training in the workplace and job-specific language training provided by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union in partnership with Manitoba Labour and Immigration and Maple Leaf Foods; and

- co-ordinated and integrated programming offered by Westman Immigrant Services including settlement assistance and orientation on living in Manitoba, adult language training classes, regional language assessment and referral to adult language training classes, volunteer and literacy support programs, referrals to employment supports and training for interpreters.

"We are committed to helping immigrants and refugees settle, work and succeed in Manitoba," said Howard.  "The settlement services and language training programs being funded provide new Manitobans with the tools they need to thrive in the social and economic life of Manitoba."

Immigration to Brandon has increased from 81 arrivals in 2003 to approximately 1,150 arrivals in 2009, primarily due to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, said Howard.  Since 2003, Brandon has received over 3,000 newcomers.  In 2009, over 26 per cent of all immigrants settled in Manitoba communities outside of Winnipeg. 

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March 25, 2010

Manitoba Launches Three New Initiatives to Strengthen Province's Workforce with Apprenticeships: Bjornson

 

March 25, 2010

MANITOBA LAUNCHES THREE NEW INITIATIVES TO STRENGTHEN PROVINCE'S WORKFORCE WITH APPRENTICESHIPS:  BJORNSON

$2-million Investment to Create Over 600 Apprenticeships, Legislation to be Proclaimed to Address Workforce Needs, Tax Credit to be Expanded

The province is moving to strengthen Manitoba's workforce with apprenticeships by launching three new initiatives that include investing $2 million to create over 600 apprenticeship seats and proclaiming legislation on April 1 that will strengthen the province's economy by promoting skill development and expanding tax credits that make it easier for businesses to hire students, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.
 
"Providing hands-on training for apprentices is the best way to develop the highly skilled, professionally trained and job-ready employees this province needs to meet labour-market demands," said Bjornson, adding the Manitoba government is committed to creating 4,000 new training spaces by the end of the 2011-12.  
 
Budget 2010 proposes to invest $2 million to create over 600 new apprenticeship positions, Bjornson said today.  Since 1999, the number of registered apprentices has more than doubled and Apprenticeship Manitoba is anticipating a 35 per cent increase over the next two years.
 
Also, on April 1 the Apprenticeship and Certification Act will be proclaimed which will enhance the apprenticeship, training and certification system to make it more flexible, responsive and transparent for apprentices, employers and industry, the minister said.
 
"This legislation delivers substantively on the intent of the recommendations made by the Apprenticeship Futures Commission related to the governance of the apprenticeship system," said Leonard Harapiak, chair of the Apprenticeship and Certification Board and the Apprenticeship Futures Commission.  "The new legislation will assist the board in its decision-making process by promoting greater stakeholder engagement to better meet the dynamically changing needs of apprentices and employers and improving the accountability of the board to the minister and apprenticeship stakeholders."
 
Bjornson also announced that under Budget 2010, the province has extended the Co-op Education and Apprenticeship Tax Credit to include high-school students, effective in 2011.  Manitoba offers the most extensive apprenticeship tax credits in Canada, creating savings for employers of $2 million a year, he said.                                                                       
       

The new Early-level Apprentices Hiring Incentive is designed to encourage those employers who are not eligible for the federal Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit to hire high-school students who are taking apprenticeship training as part of their schooling as well as post-secondary apprentices, Bjornson said.
 
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December 8, 2009

New Website Helps Manitobans Determine Eligibility for Financial Benefits, Find Social Services

December 7, 2009

Manitoba continues record-breaking population growth, best since 1971: Bjornson

December  7, 2009

"The last time Manitoba's population grew by close to 17,000 people in 12 months, Shaft and Dirty Harry were playing at the box office, John Lennon's Imagine topped the Billboard charts and The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty was listed amongst the New York Times' bestselling novels," Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson said today.
 
According to the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics (MBS), provincial growth of nearly 17,000 individuals would translate into a 1.4 per cent increase that will likely place Manitoba ahead of the national growth rate and in the top tier among the provinces, the largest 12-month growth rate since at least 1971 when modern-day record keeping began.
 
"People from other countries have chosen Manitoba to be their new home because this province offers good jobs and a place where new Manitobans can build a better future for themselves and their families," said Bjornson.
 
Driving this record-breaking growth were people moving to Manitoba from around the world, the minister said.  Over the last 12 months, an estimated total of 13,101 immigrants made their new homes in Manitoba.  This is well above the 10,902 who arrived in the previous 12-month period.  It is also the largest immigrant arrival since at least 1971.
 
According to MBS estimates, Manitoba's population stood at 1,226,000 as of Oct. 1.  This is 16,900 more people since Oct. 1, 2008, for a 1.4 per cent increase.
 
Much of the growth during the last several years can be attributed to the success of the Provincial Nominee Program, Bjornson said, adding the program has resulted in historic growth in Manitoba's immigration population.  Of the more than 13,100 individuals who arrived in Manitoba during the last 12 months, over three-quarters were provincial nominees.
 
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November 30, 2009

Federal, provincial and territorial governments cooperate to improve foreign credential recognition for newcomers to Canada

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, November 30, 2009—Under the newPan‑Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, foreign-trained workers who submit an application to be licensed or registered to work in certain fields will be advised within one year whether their qualifications will be recognized. Senator Yonah Martin from British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, today reiterated support for a new framework to enhance foreign qualification recognition for internationally trained workers.

ThePan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualificationsis part of the Government of Canada’s strategy to have the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. Recognizing foreign credentials is part of the strategy, and foreign qualification recognition is the process of verifying that knowledge, skills, work experience and education obtained in another country are comparable to the standards established for Canadian professionals and tradespersons.

“Ensuring that foreign credentials and qualifications are assessed and recognized in a timely manner will contribute to Canada’s economic recovery,” said Senator Martin. “With this framework, Canada will maximize the talents of newcomers to strengthen the economy and improve the standard of living of all Canadians.”

Senator Martin thanked the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, consisting of federal, provincial and territorial representatives, for its work on the Framework.

“A strong commitment on the part of all jurisdictions has enabled us to introduce a pan‑Canadian framework that will improve the assessment and recognition of newcomers’ qualifications,” said the Honourable Moira Stilwell, Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development for British Columbia. “Working in cooperation, we are building a stronger British Columbia and a more robust Canadian economy. This framework equips all provinces and territories to emerge from the economic downturn ready to compete in the new economy.”

The Framework follows the Government of Canada’s commitment in the 2008 Speech from the Throne to “work with the provinces to make the recognition of foreign credentials a priority, attract top international students to Canada and increase the uptake of immigrant settlement programs.”

The Framework states that governments across Canada will work towards better pre-arrival services, assessments that are fair, transparent, consistent and timely across Canada, and improved workforce participation services for newcomers. These services will help internationally trained workers put their training and knowledge to work sooner.

The Economic Action Plancommitted $50 million to work with the provinces and territories to address barriers to credential recognition in Canada. This investment will do four things:

• Develop the principles of timeliness, transparency, fairness and predictability that the federal, provincial and territorial governments set out to guide the process of foreign qualification recognition;
• Develop standards for the timely handling of requests for recognition of foreign qualifications;
• Identify the priority occupations for developing recognition standards; and
• Help people who want to come to Canada start the assessment process before they arrive.

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program and the Foreign Credentials Referral Office are the key federal initiatives in place to support pan-Canadian implementation of the Framework.

To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Framework is available on the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Web site at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/publications/fcr/pcf.shtml.

For more information about foreign qualification recognition, call 1 800 O‑Canada, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.

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Backgrounder

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To help internationally trained workers find jobs in their career of choice, Canada’s Economic Action Plan is investing $50 million over two years to make the process of assessing and recognizing foreign qualifications more efficient.

In January 2009, the First Ministers agreed that the timely assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications was a priority. The Forum of Labour Market Ministers was given the task of developing a pan-Canadian framework and implementation plan for foreign qualification recognition.

The objective of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualificationsis to articulate a new joint national vision, guiding principles and desired outcomes for improving the assessment and recognition of newcomers’ qualifications.

The framework will initially be implemented in the following eight occupations by December 31, 2010:

• Architects
• Engineers
• Financial Auditors and Accountants
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Pharmacists
• Physiotherapists
• Registered Nurses.

During the next phase of implementation ending December 2012, the framework will be implemented in the following six occupations:

• Dentists
• Engineering Technicians
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical Radiation Technologists
• Physicians
• Teachers (K-12)

Governments will work with regulatory bodies, post-secondary institutions and other key partners to implement the framework.

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program aims to improve the integration of internationally trained workers into the workforce. The Program provides funding to and works with the provinces and territories and stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, post‑secondary institutions, sector councils and employers, to implement projects that facilitate the assessment and recognition of qualifications acquired in other countries.

The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) was established in May 2007 to help internationally trained workers receive the information, path-finding and referral services, in Canada and overseas, to have their credentials assessed quickly so they can find work faster in the fields for which they have been trained. The FCRO works with federal, provincial and territorial partners, and foreign credential assessment and recognition bodies to strengthen foreign credential recognition processes across the country. Internet services for internationally trained workers can be found on the FCRO Web site at the following address: www.credentials.gc.ca.