Begum: We need to set immigrants and newcomers up for success, our province’s economic future is at stake

Begum: We need to set immigrants and newcomers up for success, our province’s economic future is at stake

MPP DOLY BEGUM

November 8, 2023

SCARBOROUGH – Official Opposition NDP Deputy Leader and critic for Immigration Services and International Credentials Doly Begum (Scarborough Southwest) released the following statement in response to the latest report from the Financial Accountability Office of Ontario on Labour Outcomes of Immigrants in Ontario.

“This report makes it clear that Ontario’s economic growth is heavily reliant on the success of immigrants – including permanent residents and other newcomers. As our province continues to grow, amidst an affordability crisis and labour shortage, we need to see clear commitments from the Ford Conservatives to ensuring immigrants and newcomers are set up for success in Ontario’s labour marketplace.

Many immigrants with university degrees continue to be underemployed – working positions that they are overqualified for. Provincial policies that comprehensively address foreign credentials and skills recognition are long overdue. People from all across the world come to our province for a better life and a better future. It’s time that the Ford government prioritized the needs of Ontarians, including hardworking immigrants to the province, rather than a select group of their conservative insider friends.

The future of our economy also depends on making life affordable for all Ontarians. Yet Ford’s corrupt Conservatives haven’t done a thing to address the housing crisis, tackle price gouging, or make groceries more affordable. And at every turn, they say NO to the Ontario NDP’s solutions to make life easier. The time for action is now.”

(PRESS RELEASE)

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Background:

• MPP Begum has previously introduced Fairness for Ontario’s Internationally Trained Workers Act, 2022

• The Bill called for creating a framework to recognize the credentials of internationally trained professionals across numerous fields including healthcare