$4 million in funding from federal government for 'fair, timely process'
Internationally trained professionals should be able to put their knowledge and skills to work sooner with the launch of a new project in British Columbia. The federal government is providing more than $4 million in funding to the British Columbia Ministry of Regional Economic and Skills Development to help the province establish “a fair and timely process” to recognize foreign credentials so skilled newcomers can find jobs in their fields. Internationally trained professionals will also benefit from bridge-to-work and mentorship programs in various occupations.
"Attracting and retaining the best international talent to address existing and future labour market challenges is critical to Canada's long-term economic success," said Stockwell Day, president of the Treasury Board, minister for the Asia-Pacific gateway and minister responsible for British Columbia. "Through our Economic Action Plan, we are working with partners such as the province of British Columbia to improve foreign credential recognition so that newcomers can maximize their talents."
Additionally, the province will launch its own version of the Working in Canada online tool, so newcomers can access up-to-date labour market information, before and after arriving in Canada.
"With over a million B.C. job openings forecast by 2019, immigrants will play an important role in ensuring we have the skilled workers needed for our future economy," said Ida Chong, minister of regional economic and skills development for British Columbia. "We appreciate and look forward to working with our federal partners in their efforts to improve the foreign credential recognition process, which will help immigrants connect with relevant employment options and provide employers with the information they need to hire, train and retain skilled immigrants."
The federal government, through its Economic Action Plan, is investing $50 million to work with the provinces and territories and stakeholders to address barriers to foreign credential recognition. This investment directly contributed to the development of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
