Instead of recruiting abroad Manitoba should prioritize aiding overseas-trained nurses already in-country – PNA

Marco Pena, the head of the Philippine Nurses Association of Manitoba, said the province should be investing more in internationally-educated nurses who are already here, but are facing barriers to becoming registered,

Marco Pena of PNA Manitoba was reacting to news that a delegation from Manitoba will go to Manila, Cebu City and Iloilo between Feb. 21-25 to recruit hundreds of nurses to work in the province. SCREENGRAB CBC

Pena was reacting to news that a delegation from Manitoba will go to Manila, Cebu City and Iloilo between Feb. 21-25 to recruit hundreds of nurses to work in the province.

He told CBC News that because of barriers in becoming registered with the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba, internationally trained nurses already in the province are always leaving for other provinces, the United States, or where they can register quickly using credentials from other provinces.

Martin Lussier, the manager of communications for the college, says work is being done to break down those barriers.  A government spokesperson told CBC News that overseas recruitment is being done in combination with supports for local internationally trained nurses.

The spokesperson says these nurses are given bridge training, living allowance, transportation and child care, as well as access to caseworkers to help navigate the licensing process.