A new pilot project is hoping to get more foreign doctors, dentists, engineers and other professionals working in Manitoba.
Loans up to $10,000 will be made available to 140 newcomers over two years to help pay for expensive exams, training, and other costs needed to get qualified here.
"It can help pay for their licensing fees their tools their equipment, even to support their families while they're studying for their exams,” said Diane Finley, federal human resources minister.
Ottawa is contributing $1.2 million to the program and the province is putting in $250,000.
Skilled jobs often go unfilled in Manitoba every year, despite the fact several skilled workers are available. Many foreign-born doctors, dentists and other professionals are forced to work low-paying jobs upon arrival because their degrees are not recognized in Canada.
“We have to tap into their potential,” said Finley.
"It's about enabling people to reach their full potential,” said Manitoba Immigration Minister Christine Melnick.
The loans don't have to be paid back for five years.
The province’s business community said this is one step to trying to fill Manitoba’s skilled-labour shortage.
“We’re definitely short for drivers in the trucking industry, the aerospace industry,” said Graham Starmer from the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce.
Esam Beshay was a dentist in Egypt. In Manitoba, he’s working in a dental office as an assistant.
He’s spent thousands of dollars on exams to get credentials in the province, but is now out of money, with just one exam left.
“All my savings (are) done. I have nothing,” he said.
Beshay said he was considering abandoning his dream of becoming a dentist again in Manitoba, until receiving word about the new program and then qualifying for a loan.
“(It’s) a very good dream and this supports us very, very much,” said Rannia Istafanous, Beshay’s wife.
