November 25, 2013

Canada Expands the Ontario Bridge Training Program for New Immigrants

The Government of Canada has announced that it will be working together with the Province of Ontario to expand the Ontario Bridge Training Program.  This program is designed to help new immigrants find meaningful employment in Canada that reflects their level of education and professional experience.

Ontario is home to more newcomers than any other province in Canada, with more than 40% of all new immigrants settling here.  The Province hopes to attract highly skilled workers and their families so as to grow diverse communities and a strong globally connected economy.

The newly expanded Ontario Bridge Training Program offers help for internationally trained immigrants who need to gain Canadian licenses and certification required to practice their professions in Canada.  In the past this program has supported 50,000 highly skilled, foreign trained professionals such as: nurses, engineers, accountants, bankers, and IT specialists.  The expanded program will be financed in part by both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada. It will offer individualized education and skills assessment, targeted further training, Canadian clinical or workplace experience, preparation for licensing exams, and occupation-specific language training.

Here is what the Provincial and Federal Ministers of Citizenship and Immigration had to say about it:

“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, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Please see also our Federal Skilled Worker page for a list of occupations that are eligible for permanent residency in Canada, and subsequently eligible too for the Ontario Bridge Training Program once here.