For Immediate Release: January 9, 2007

New Programs Offered in Parry Sound

Canadore College is offering two new full-time programs in Parry Sound in response to area employment shortages in the health care sector.

The Personal Support Worker program begins in February and Practical Nursing, a two-year program, begins in September. These programs will provide new education and career opportunities to people living in the Parry Sound area without them having to incur the extra expense of relocation.

Canadore is also providing free upgrading opportunities in January for anyone who does not have the required prerequisites for the programs. English, Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry are required for Practical Nursing and early registration is mandatory.

Lakeland Long Term Care, Belvedere Heights and the West Parry Sound Health Centre have partnered with Canadore to offer these new programs and plans are underway to establish lab and classroom facilities.

“West Parry Sound Health Centre is pleased to have formed a partnership with Canadore College for the provision of a Practical Nurse education program for our community. This is a valuable opportunity for residents to begin a rewarding career in health care,” said West Parry Sound Health Centre CEO Norman Maciver.

“I am confident this nursing education program will be a great benefit to our community and to the health centre’s recruitment program as we work together with the college to train local people for the nursing vacancies we will be facing in the future. West Parry Sound Health Centre will be a site for the clinical training, and I hope this is a partnership we can build on in the future.”

Canadore College President, Barbara Taylor said, “We are pleased to expand our program offerings in Parry Sound. These new programs and partnerships indicate a step forward and offer proof that Canadore College is committed to providing quality education in the area.”

Canadore College provides quality, relevant and timely education and training to its students and is an active partner in the social, economic and cultural fabric of North Bay and Northeastern Ontario.