Businesses in Ontario are being encouraged to hire more newcomers with the launch of a special program that highlights the economic benefits of employing immigrants.

Ontario welcomes about 125,000 newcomers annually, with a significant percentage settling in and around the provincial capital Toronto.

The Bringing Employers Onboard program, launched by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), has the support of the Ontario government.

"Our government has made it a priority to help internationally trained professionals get work in their field sooner," said the province's Immigration Minister Mike Colle.

The Ontario government has provided $486,600 in funding to TRIEC to develop a marketing strategy aimed at reaching small and medium-sized businesses in Ontario. In addition, a curriculum will be developed which will be used in human resource programs and a series of breakfast seminars aimed at employers will be held.

TRIEC works to improve access to employment for immigrants in the Toronto region, so they are better able to use the skills, education and experience they bring with them to Canada. A number of Ontario government ministries, including the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, are involved in TRIEC either on the council or in working groups.

"It takes the collective effort of government, settlement agencies and the private sector to help our newcomers succeed. The project being launched is a great example of that," said Colle.