By Kiah Welsh
The federal government is putting $4-million towards foreign-trained nurses who have an interest in working in Canada.
Employment Minister Jason Kenney said the initiative is great for improving Canada’s economy.
“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity,” said Kenney in a press release.
A patient receives a check-up from a health care professional. (Photo Courtesy WikiCommons)
“That is why we are taking action to help internationally trained nurses find jobs in their field quickly.”
In some cases, the process may allow for international nurses to have their credentials assessed prior to arriving in Canada.
The Foreign Credential Recognition program is designed to improve the integration of internationally trained workers in the workforce. The FCR provides funding to provinces and territories including post-secondary institutions, sector councils and employers.
Since 2009 these programs have existed so that nurses and healthcare providers can put their skill sets and knowledge to use without delay.
Monica Kru, a Humber graduate and nurse at Credit Valley hospital in Mississauga, said the Canadian government should invest more into training Canadians to be nurses.
“There are a lot of people I know here that find it hard to get a job,” said Kru. “The reason I got a job is because my friend I went to school with got hired before me and he gave me the manager’s email… so, it was kind of an inside way of getting it.”
“I think there should be more nursing fairs or job fairs for nurses,” added Kru.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan invested $50 million to streamline foreign credential and experience recognition for key occupations.
Kru said the main issue for nurses is that there is not enough funding.
“We’re short staff but we don’t have any more funding to hire any more nurses… so, that’s the issue I find in some areas and some departments at least,” said Kru.