Regional Connections will see more clients receiving programming thanks to a $111,190 boost from the Provincial Government today.

Regional Connections Executive Director Steve Reynolds explains the money will be used to get more clients into english classes sooner. In the past, clients had to wait on federal funding to access programing, which was contingent on obtaining permanent resident status.

"They had bought homes, they had jobs, they were settled, and they had to wait up to two years to access services," he says. "Now they'll be able to come as soon as they arrive in the community and receive support and English classes."

The funds are reinvested revenue generated from a fee on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) which saw $3.1 million in funding shared between 17 organizations across the provice.

Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen explains MPNP saw a record year in 2018, issuing 5,207 total nominations across all program streams.

In 2019, Manitoba is able to select up to 6,000 new provincial nominees and their families. With 250 spaces allocated specifically for semi-skilled workers (with high school education and some work experience), industries such as manufacturing and transportation can meet growing labour demand.

Segue Career Options also received funding to support their JUMP program with $101,303 in renewed funding through the department of Education. The program helps clients overcome barriers to employment.

"As a government, we understand how important these programs are," Friesen says. "We are a large area and it's important that individuals don't fall through the cracks."

Segue's in-class training help participants discover their accumulated skills and confidence to find meaningful employement.

Segue Career Options saw $101,303 in renewed funding through the department of Education