For Immediate Release
Toronto, July 6, 2012
CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) is pleased to announce the official opening of an office in Kingston to serve clients in southeastern Ontario. CARE Centre is now in its 11th year of operation and has supported more than 1,000 nurses from over 140 countries back into practice. The organization was one of Ontario’s first bridge training programs for internationally educated professionals and has been used as a model for programs across Canada. CARE Centre’s bridge training program is funded by the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.
CARE Centre’s funding and expansion was part of a June 25th announcement from the Ontario government and the Government of Canada. Information on nursing bridge training programs can be found through the link: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/keyinitiatives/bridgetraining/nursing.shtml#1
“We’re grateful for the continued support of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and Government of Canada, and their acknowledgment of our leadership and success in helping IENs achieve their licensure as registered nurses and registered practical nurses as quickly as possible, ready to contribute to the Ontario health care system,” said Executive Director Zubeida Ramji. “IENs are the future of nursing in Canada, and already comprise 25 per cent of the nursing workforce in the Greater Toronto Area and 10 per cent in the rest of the province.”
“We are pleased to partner with CARE to help internationally trained nurses get ready to work in Ontario. CARE’s expansion into Kingston will help even more newcomers reach their goals and contribute to our economy. When newcomers succeed, Ontario succeeds.”
-Hon. Charles Sousa, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
“Helping skilled immigrants in Ontario enter and integrate quickly into the Canadian labour market is part of the federal government’s plan for economic growth. The federal government is committed to helping newcomers to Ontario succeed.”
–Hon. Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.
“I am pleased that we will have an office right here in Kingston supporting nurses from around the world get back into practice. This office will not only work with nurses in Kingston but nurses from across southeastern Ontario.”
-John Gerretsen, MPP, Kingston and The Islands
CARE Centre will hold a reception to open its doors in Kingston on July 26th at 12:30 – 2:00 p.m., following information session about CARE Centre’s programs and services beginning at 11:00 a.m. There will be a cake cutting and light refreshments will be served. The office is located in the KEYS Job Centre at 182 Sydenham Street. Media, stakeholders in the settlement and health care communities and IENs and their friends and family are welcome to attend. For local information, please contact Case Manager Iris Kennedy as listed below.
CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses is a not-for-profit professional organization founded in 2001, with funding provided by the Government of Ontario. CARE Centre supports internationally educated nurses in updating their credentials and training to meet Ontario standards for Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses, obtain employment, advance in their careers, and contribute to health care excellence in Ontario. CARE Centre achieves these goals through case management support, nursing-specific language training, exam preparation, mentoring and networking, and recognizing the unique skills, education and experience of internationally educated nurses. To learn more about CARE Centre and its work, please visit www.care4nurses.org.
For all media inquiries please contact:
Tina Novotny
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
45 Sheppard Ave East, Suite 512
Toronto, Ontario M2N 5W9
Phone: 416-836-1989, ext 240
Cell: 416-836-1989
tnovotny@care4nurses.org
Kingston inquiries:
Iris Kennedy, Case Manager
CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses
℅ KEYS Job Centre
182 Sydenham St.
Kingston ON, K7K 3M2
Phone: 613 546 5559 ext 312
Cell: 343-363-1433
ikennedy@care4nurses.org
