The Canadian government has announced the creation of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, which will allow foreign-trained workers in some professions to have their credentials assessed quickly.
Under this new framework, internationally trained workers in professions such as nursing, engineering and architecture will find out within one year whether their credentials will be recognized.
"We want newcomers to be able to use their skills and work to their full potential. It’s good for them and good for the Canadian economy," said Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada Jason Kenney.
According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), federal, provincial and territorial governments across Canada will work together to provide better pre-arrival services, fair, transparent, consistent and timely assessments, and improved workforce participation services for newcomers.
ESDC said that these services will help internationally trained workers put their training and knowledge to work sooner.
The framework will begin to apply to the following occupations by December 31, 2010:
- Architects;
- Engineers;
- Financial Auditors and Accountants;
- Medical Laboratory Technologists;
- Occupational Therapists;
- Pharmacists;
- Physiotherapists; and
- Registered Nurses.
The following occupations will fall under the framework by December 2012:
- Dentists;
- Engineering Technicians;
- Licensed Practical Nurses;
- Medical Radiation Technologists;
- Physicians; and
- Teachers.