Increased language training funding for Ontario immigration

The Ontario government and CIC are jointly investing $3.4 million over two years to support 13 projects under the Enhanced Language Training Initiative. The projects will deliver job-specific language training to more than 1,300 internationally trained individuals to help them make the transition to Ontario's workforce.

"One of the keys to our continued prosperity and competitiveness will be the degree to which foreign-trained professionals and skilled workers are able to successfully integrate into society and our workforce," said Minister Volpe. "The Government of Canada invests $20 million annually in its Enhanced Language Training Initiative and I am pleased to work with Ontario so that more immigrants can pursue professions and trades that make full use of the talents and skills they bring to Canada."

More than 70 per cent of adult immigrants who come to Ontario are highly skilled with postsecondary education or training. While the provincial and federal governments have a long history of providing basic English and French as second language programs, the issue for internationally trained individuals has been the requirement for higher level language skills that are specific to each occupation.

This investment is part of the Ontario government's plan to improve access for the internationally trained to their chosen professions and trades. Ontario is providing $12.5 million annually to meet this commitment.