Henry Akanko, United Way East Ontario.

For years, Hire Immigrants Ottawa (a United Way East Ontario initiative) has advocated for measures to address systemic barriers and challenges that skilled immigrants face when entering the Canadian labour force. The Government of Ontario’s announcement to eliminate the work experience requirement for more than 30 regulated professions and skilled trades such as engineering, law, accounting, and architecture is a welcomed step towards ensuring a faster process for newcomers to Ontario to find jobs, settle into their communities, and build a prosperous life.