* Interviews with staff and leaders available upon request.
* Backgrounder

Providence Health Care (PHC) was recognized in 2010 for its progressive work policies, educational and training opportunities and competitive compensation that assist new Canadians in making the transition to a new workplace and a new life in Canada, with specific focus on internationally-trained nurses.

Providence Health Care hired nearly 100 internationally-trained nurses as part of the International Nurse Recruitment Campaign, an initiative designed to address the shortage of nurses in the Vancouver region. In addition, PHC considers years of international work experience when determining the starting salaries of new Canadian nursing employees.

“It is a great honour for Providence to be recognized once again as an organization that leads the way in recruiting foreign health care workers,” said Dianne Doyle, PHC’s President and CEO. “We are committed to continue working towards our goal of becoming a diversity leader in Canada and the employer of choice for talented new Canadian health care workers. At Providence, we work hard to create a positive experience and a supportive work environment where employees of all backgrounds can excel and realize their full potential.”

Employers considered for the award this year represent employment fields such as financial, high-tech, engineering, and academics. The 35 finalists in the Best Employers for New Canadians competition represent employers from across Canada that lead their peers in fostering diversity and a fair and inclusive workplace.

PHC’s mission, vision and values respect the diversity, dignity and interdependence of all persons, which are reflected in the organization’s initiatives and programs that assist employees who are transitioning to life in Canada. For more information about PHC’s initiatives and services for recent immigrant employees, please visit our website at http://www.providencehealthcare.org/PHC-Award.htm.

About the Best Employers for New Canadians Award
Every year, Mediacorp Canada Inc. reviews information from thousands of Canadian organizations to identify what it takes to be one of Canada's best employers. The winners of the Best Employers for New Canadians competition will be profiled in special editorial features published by Mediacorp’s media partners early in 2010. Employers selected for this list will also be featured in the paperback edition of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2010. For details on the Best Employers for New Canadians Award visit: http://www.eluta.ca/new-canadians-at-providence-health-care.

About Providence Health Care
Providence Health Care is one of Canada's largest faith-based health care organizations, operating 14 health care facilities in Greater Vancouver. Guided by the principle "How you want to be treated," PHC's 1,200 physicians, 6,000 staff and 1,500 volunteers deliver compassionate care to patients and residents in British Columbia. Providence’s programs and services span the complete continuum of care and serve people throughout B.C. The organization’s $655-million budget covers 646 acute care beds, 700 continuing care beds, 76 rehabilitation beds, and 12 hospice beds. PHC operates one of two adult academic health science centres in the province, performs cutting-edge research in more than 30 clinical specialties, and focuses its services on six “populations of emphasis”: cardio-pulmonary risks and illnesses, HIV/AIDS, mental health, renal risks and illness, specialized needs in aging and urban health. For more information on Providence Health Care, please visit our website at http://www.providencehealthcare.org.

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Contact: Justin Karasick
Senior Public Affairs Officer - Providence
Lower Mainland Communications and Public Affairs
Tel 604.806.8460
Pgr 604.252.4261
jkarasick@providencehealth.bc.ca.