The Manitoba government has renewed its ongoing support for an innovative program helping newcomers integrate into the labour market and achieve success. This announcement was made by Labour and Immigration Minister Erna Braun.
“By connecting employers with skilled newcomers who can meet their staffing needs, Manitoba Start is supporting the provincial job market and economy,” said Minister Braun. “That’s why I’m so pleased to announce renewed support for this unique program, which is helping newcomers from all over the world participate in Manitoba’s growing economy.”
Manitoba Start was developed and is delivered through a partnership between the Manitoba government and Employment Solutions for Immigrants, a non-profit organization that provides a full spectrum of employment solutions to newcomers and Manitoba employers.
The program is recognized as an important part of one of the most successful immigration models in the country, contributing to the rich diversity of Manitoba’s population, supporting new entrepreneurs and growing the province’s skilled labour force.
As the first step for new immigrants in Winnipeg, Manitoba Start provides centralized registration services for all immigrant newcomers arriving in Manitoba, in addition to settlement orientation and language assessment services. Core services include directly engaging Manitoba employers in matching newcomers to job opportunities, and providing professional career coaching and employment supports including assistance in qualifications recognition to about 6,000 new immigrants every year.
The Government of Canada also supports the program through funding to encourage employers to hire skilled immigrants who are permanent residents of Canada.
“Manitoba Start plays an essential role in engaging employers to hire newcomers who have chosen Manitoba as their permanent home,” said Minister Braun. “We are pleased the Government of Canada is also supporting this important and unique service.”
The Manitoba government is providing $3 million of core funding to Employment Solutions for Immigrants to deliver Manitoba Start programming in 2014/15.
For more information about Manitoba Start, go to www.manitobastart.com.
