Canada’s failure to recognize the credentials is harming the economy

Today, a seven point plan to speed up the recognition of credentials and employment experience of immigrants was announced by NDP Deputy Immigration Critic Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina). The proposal came from many years of consultation and working with immigrant-serving agencies and new Canadians. “Hardworking immigrant families are desperate for meaningful jobs, and after many years of empty promises, repeat announcements and hot air, there is no time to waste. The promised funding should be delivered and the Agency for Assessment and Recognition of Credentials should be set up immediately,” said Chow. The proposal includes an agency with an internet portal and a toll free line which would act as a one-stop shop where new and potential immigrants could access information on assessment criteria, information on education and licensing bodies and recognition processes. This information and pre-assessment should be made available at orientation sessions at international visa offices so potential immigrants can get assessment and accreditation prior to their arrival to Canada. The agency should be integrated with Service Canada so there is help available in different regions across Canada.

Other recommendations include coordinating information and processes with various professional bodies and provincial accreditation offices so there is a uniform recognition process throughout the country; and reciprocity agreements with other countries should be set up so immigrants arrive in Canada ready to work. “Funding earmarked for consultation towards the creation of the Canadian Agency for the Assessment and Recognition of Credentials should be used to set up this agency immediately, instead of conducting more ‘talks’,” said Chow. She noted many excellent bridging, mentorship programs that help immigrants find meaningful jobs can not be expanded when the promised $205 million of federal money is no where to be found. “Canada’s failure to recognize the credentials of qualified, skilled and professional foreign-trained immigrants in the workforce is harming the economy and immigrants alike, limiting the contribution and earning potential of immigrants contributes to unacceptable levels of poverty,” said Chow. Chow sent her detailed, concrete proposal to Citizenship & Immigration Minister Diane Finley, Human Resources Minister Monte Solberg and Minister for Multiculturalism Jason Kenney. The proposal is available online at www.oliviachow.ca