There was a good turnout for the launch of Project Confidence at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 in Cornwall. As the presentation began, SDSG MP Eric Duncan, SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn and program leaders were joined by participants for a photo. Thompson Goddard Photo

CORNWALL – Close to 40 people gathered at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 in Cornwall for the launch of the Project Confidence program on Sat., March 22.

The program is designed to provide residents of Ontario with training designed to develop professional skills. Managing partners of Leonnova Sanjay Dhebar and Dr. Haniyeh Yousofpour were at the launch as were SDSG MP Eric Duncan and SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn. “With many new Canadians coming to Ontario over the last few years programs like Project Confidence is more important than ever,” commented Quinn.

Yousofpour explained the company received funding from the Skills Development Fund (SDF) provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skill Development for this program. She mentioned the training provided by Leonnova is at a post-secondary level and conducted by academic faculty members. She continued the program consisting of several online courses, with only the launch being an in-person event.  The courses will cover topics such as sales and negotiation, office management, and change management.  Students will have the opportunity to work on a project with a Fortune 500 company to get exposure and experience in Ontario.

“Our goal is to rebuild the confidence of newcomers to Ontario to live up to their potential in their new home.” said Yousofpour.  She mentioned while the program is designed to assist newcomers to the province, it is open to any resident of Ontario.

More information on Leonnova can be found at https://leonnova.com.