TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire - July 28, 2008) - Skilled workers who are new to Canada will get the help they need to integrate into the workforce and their communities through a new project funded by the Government of Canada. Senator Hugh Segal announced today on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, an investment of over $800,000, in partnership with the Maytree Foundation.

“The Government of Canada is creating the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world,” said Senator Segal. “This project will help employers better integrate skilled new Canadians into the workforce and their local communities.”

Speaking at Deloitte’s head office in downtown Toronto, Senator Segal announced funding for the Assisting Local Leaders with Immigrant Employment Strategies (ALLIES) project with the Maytree Foundation.

Through the federal government’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP), Maytree will receive funding to develop a comprehensive set of online tools on immigration to enable employers and community groups to better integrate skilled immigrants into the Canadian workforce, enabling them to better contribute to Canada’s economic and social development. Through these online tools, employers and immigrants will obtain information on mentoring, internships, co-op placements, loan programs, best practices and success stories. The project will build a stronger awareness among employers about the value of international experience and credentials, and help create new opportunities for skilled immigrants across Canada.

“Maytree is pleased to partner with the federal government in building a pan-Canadian project that will connect employers across the country and leverage their capacity to tap into the talents of skilled immigrants,” said Ms. Ratna Omidvar, Executive Director, Maytree “ALLIES will develop online learning tools so that employers can adopt winning strategies when hiring skilled immigrants. This project will also assist local communities in coordinating and replicating successful immigrant employment programs.”

“We are honoured to be named one of the first national corporate partner of the ALLIES initiative,” noted Ms. Jane Allen, Chief Diversity Officer for Deloitte. “As part of our commitment to supporting and celebrating diversity, both within our workplace and in the communities in which we live, we look forward to leveraging the consulting expertise of our people to support this outstanding project.”

The FCRP is improving the integration of internationally trained newcomers into the workforce by funding and working with the provinces, territories, and key stakeholders to implement projects that facilitate the assessment and recognition of qualifications acquired in other countries. Attracting and retaining the most talented individuals including those with education and skills acquired abroad, and ensuring that all Canadians are able to reach their full potential are critical to ensuring the country’s long-term economic success and prosperity.

Source: www.hrsdc.gc.ca