On March 7, at Toronto's Metro Reference Library, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Mike Colle introduced the new website, www.OntarioImmigration.ca, to inform people anywhere in the world about Ontario, as a place to live and where to immigrate.
Ontario's Minister of Immigration and Citizenship Mike Colle answers a question at the press conference launching a new website designed to inform immigrants and residents of opportunities Photo: Adu Raudkivi
"Through this site, newcomers will have access to information about schools, jobs and skills training - and be able to learn about Ontario's culture and history," said Colle at the press conference for ethnic journalists.
The website also has data about places to live, work and study in Ontario, providing information on starting a new business or practise in a trade or profession. Important forms such as immigration and drivers license applications can be downloaded on that site. Over the next years the ministry wants to make the website a one stop international gateway for newcomers from all over the world.
"We are often at odds with the federal government on immigration matters," said Colle. "They concentrate on academic credentials for immigrants while what we need is truck drivers and construction workers. I will be working closely with Monte Solberg (Federal Minister of Citizenship and Immigration) on these matters. "
Colle was asked about the problem of Ontario's doctor shortage, the questioner pointed out that the province has some 4,000 foreign-trained doctors resident and not employed as physicians. "We have increased the number of residency spaces for foreign-trained doctors from 35 to 200 just recently," answered Colle. "They will take about two years to be properly trained."
Canada takes in 250,000 immigrants annually. As half of this number, 125,000 come to Ontario and amount to 70 percent of Ontario's net labour force growth, this is a very important project.
