NB Multicultural Council receives funding to address employment barriers

Diversity is at the heart of our national identity. The Government of Canada celebrates the invaluable contributions that Canadians of all backgrounds make to our country, and is working hard to remove barriers that many newcomers still face when entering the Canadian workforce.

Skills training and experiential learning will help newcomers enter workforce

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, today announced an investment of more than $900,000 for the New Brunswick Multicultural Council Inc. (NBMC). The funding will support skills training and experiential learning to help newcomers overcome barriers to entering the workforce. The project will help grow New Brunswick’s labour pool while fostering greater inclusion and newcomer retention. It will also create nine direct jobs.

Minister LeBlanc made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to diversity and strong and inclusive communities that create economic growth and success.

Quotes

“Canada’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Through ACOA, our government is proud to support the New Brunswick Multicultural Council’s efforts to help newcomers enter the workforce, encouraging diverse workplaces that will benefit from their talent, skills and perspectives.”

–  The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Immigration is essential to growing New Brunswick’s labour pool and the economy. This project will give newcomers the tools and connections they need to succeed in the workforce.”

– The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Member of Parliament for Beauséjour

“Starting your career path in a different country, in a new language and without social networks is not easy. Thanks to this investment from ACOA, the Head Start to Employment and Skills Development project will accelerate immigrant youth and adults along their career path by coordinating supports across the continuum of settlement agency and government services, and providing exposure to a range of opportunities such as skills training, language learning and work placements. This program will ensure newcomers across the province have the tools they need to succeed and build their lives here in New Brunswick.”

– Moncef Lakouas, President, New Brunswick Multicultural Council

Quick facts

• The New Brunswick Multicultural Council Inc. (NBMC) is the umbrella organization of all multicultural settlement associations in the province. For 20 years, the NBMC has been the provincial voice on diversity, multiculturalism, immigration and settlement as well as globalization.
• The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $914,234 to the NBMC. 
• ACOA’s contribution is through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.