Ontario invited more healthcare workers under the Human Capital Priorities Stream
On July 25, 2024, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted a new draw under the Human Capital Priorities Stream. The OINP issued 209 targeted Notifications of Interest (NOIs) to general practitioners and family physicians with work experience in NOC 31102. Invited candidates’ comprehensive ranking system (CRS) Express Entry score was between 395 and 444 points. Last year, the province invited 17,502 candidates through fourteen Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream draws. In 2024, Ontario issued 32,534 invitations under all streams of the OINP.
#Ontario, #OINP, #Human_capital, #Occupations_in_demand, #healthcare
Nova Scotia expands healthcare opportunities for international graduates
International students in Nova Scotia’s healthcare programs now have more opportunities to build their careers and lives in the province. The International Graduates in Demand stream of Nova Scotia’s Provincial Nominee Program has expanded to include paramedics and pharmacy technicians, supporting recruitment efforts for healthcare professionals. Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson emphasized these professionals’ critical roles, highlighting the benefit of retaining those who trained locally. This program allows international graduates from Nova Scotia institutions to apply for work permits and permanent residency before gaining work experience, helping to build the province’s in-demand workforce.
#Nova_Scotia, #healthcare, #international_graduates, #paramedics, #pharmacy_technicians, #Provincial_Nominee_Program, #work_permits, #PNP, #PR
Immigration minister’s Montreal office was vandalized
Last week, Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s Montreal office was vandalized, with police suspecting the Israel-Palestinian conflict as the motive. Windows were shattered, and walls were defaced with graffiti, causing significant damage inside and outside the office in Sud-Ouest borough. Miller condemned the act on social media, emphasizing that none of his staff were injured and the office would resume operations once safe. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been frequent outside the office. Miller stressed the right to protest but denounced the vandalism. An investigation is underway, with police reviewing surveillance footage and collecting forensic evidence.
#Montreal, #Immigration_Minister, #Vandalism, #Israel_Palestinian_Conflict, #Protests, #Investigation
Renewed COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for fall 2024 in Quebec
With COVID-19 cases rising, Quebec’s immunization committee recommends booster doses this fall for people aged 60+, long-term care residents, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant people, health-care workers, and adults in isolated areas. In July 2024, Quebec reported 790 new cases and 820 hospitalizations, with a test positivity rate spiking to 16.3% from April’s 2.3%. Vaccine effectiveness decreases over time, especially with new variants, making boosters essential, particularly for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Preliminary data shows that those 60+ who received boosters in 2023 were 43% more protected than those boosted in 2022. New vaccines targeting current strains are expected by fall 2024.
#COVID19 #Quebec #vaccination #Fall2024