OTTAWA, Monday, July 11, 2022 — Saint Paul University’s Institute for Transformative Leadership is proud to announce a new program that seeks to help internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) overcome barriers to finding healthcare jobs in Canada.
The new program —titled Fostering Canadian Integration for IEHPs: From Learning to Action — is developed in partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) and the National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4). The program will be offered for the first time this September.
Over the course of 12 weeks, participating IEHPs will be guided through integral training based on the identification of non-clinical skills and knowledge gaps that create barriers to successful employment and integration. This includes developing personal resilience, interpersonal communication skills and knowledge of healthcare in the Canadian context.
Participants will also benefit from the opportunity to create a learning community with others who share their experience. This is done through exercises of personal development and reflective practice (eg. peer mentoring, reflective learning journals and discussion forums).
“SPU is proud to partner once again with N4 on the creation of a program that responds to a real need in our community,” shared Chantal Beauvais, Rector of Saint Paul University. “At SPU we strive to drive change and build a stronger, more inclusive and diverse society. This new initiative will help us do this. With our new program, we hope to support internationally educated professionals and help them integrate into the Canadian healthcare system.”
“Ensuring that internationally educated healthcare professionals are able to practice their profession in Canada is crucial to address the labour shortage (which has only gotten worse with the COVID-19 pandemic), improve patient care and prove Canada’s commitment to fairness, equity, and transparency for everyone, including newcomers,” said Dr. Sahar Zohni, Project Manager at N4.
The Fostering Canadian Integration for IEHPs: From Learning to Action program is an extension of SPU’s ongoing partnership with N4, which includes the delivery of two microprograms as part of the N4 Online Program — Social Justice, Interpersonal Relations and Immigration and Serving Diversity: Settlement and Integration Needs and Challenges. These programs help healthcare service providers develop the knowledge and skills needed to support newcomers in navigating the local health and social service systems.
About the National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4)
The N4 is a national network for the diverse providers who assist newcomers in navigating the complex Canadian healthcare and social service systems. N4 strives to promote professional development and best practices in the field of newcomer navigation, with the goal of improving the experience of newcomers to Canada. For more information about the N4, visit newcomernavigation.ca.
About Saint Paul University
Founded in 1848, Saint Paul University is an institution steeped in tradition with values focused on creating a more just and humane future. With programs specialized in human and social sciences, Saint Paul University seeks to drive positive social change and empower communities through research and innovation. For more information, please visit ustpaul.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Julie Bourassa
Communications Officer, Saint Paul University
613-236-1393, ext. 2310
jbourassa@ustpaul.ca
