Government also sets up new advisory council on farm safety
With 30 new projects, Alberta has made significant progress in recognizing foreign-earned qualifications in the last two years, according to Thomas Lukaszuk, minister of Alberta employment and immigration.
"Many immigrants educated overseas can face a complex and lengthy process when trying to get their foreign-earned qualifications recognized. Progress means a shorter and simpler path," he said. "In today's global economy, attracting and retaining the best and the brightest workers is critical if Alberta wants to stay strong and competitive."
Seventeen new projects with professional organizations have resulted in online application forms, detailed information on timelines and processes, assessment forms and other tools to help newcomers before they arrive in Alberta. In addition, 13 projects with immigrant-serving agencies, educational institutions and employers have increased bridging to employment programs, mentorship opportunities and online tutorials to make it easier for immigrants to start working in their field of learning and experience.
Examples of the process include an exam centre in Calgary so foreign-trained veterinarians don’t have to travel out of the province to take their qualifying exams, an automated online eligibility review tool to tell physicians if they can apply for a license to practice medicine in Alberta and English-language classes for accounting professionals and post-secondary students with a focus on accounting language and business culture to help newcomers feel more confident in their jobs.
“Recognizing foreign-earned qualifications is not about lowering our standards, it’s about keeping the balance between high occupational standards and helping immigrants to enjoy their work and life in our province,” said Lukaszuk.
A Foreign Qualification Recognition Plan for Alberta - Progress Report 2009-2010 details government’s progress in three areas: specialized information, assessment standards and resources and bridging the gap. It is available at www.employment.alberta.ca/fqr.
Alberta also announced it has set up a new advisory council to work on ways to reduce injuries on farms and ranches. A Farm Safety Advisory Council, co-chaired by government and industry, will be formed in response to recommendations from industry stakeholder consultations and advise the government on how to enhance farm safety education and training.
“This council will bring industry and government together to find ways to reduce farm injuries without increasing the regulatory and financial burden on our producers,” said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Jack Hayden. “We need to work together to find solutions.”
In 2009 and 2010, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and Employment and Immigration consulted with more than 20 stakeholder groups to get their input on how to enhance the health and safety of people working on farms and ranches in Alberta. The consultation report, Stakeholder Consultation: Occupational Health and Safety, is available on the Agriculture and Rural Development website at agriculture.alberta.ca/farmsafety.
