Budget 2017 helps newcomers get their credentials recognized and find jobs more quickly

News Release

Government of Canada helps newcomers put their skills to work in Canada faster

April 6, 2017                Vancouver, BC           Employment and Social Development Canada

Budget 2017 is the next step in the Government’s ambitious plan to make smart investments that will grow our economy and provide more opportunities for the middle class and those working hard to join it. Helping people, including internationally trained newcomers, find good, well-paying jobs, is part of that plan.

Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced that the Government will introduce a new Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers. The Strategy will help internationally trained newcomers to our country find jobs that match their skills and experience.

Newcomers to Canada often face challenges in getting their credentials recognized so that they can find work. The Government’s new Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers will reduce barriers to employment and support newcomers as they put their skills to work in the Canadian economy.

Newcomers will benefit from three new measures: improved pre-arrival supports to help them start the foreign credential recognition process before arriving in Canada; a loan program that will help them with the costs of having their foreign credentials recognized, such as licensing exams, training, travel and skills upgrading; and a new pilot project to test innovative approaches to help newcomers get Canadian work experience.

Budget 2017 proposes to commit $27.5 million over five years, starting in 2017–18, and $5.5 million per year thereafter for the new Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers.

As part of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, Budget 2017 also encourages lifelong learning; supports retraining and skills upgrading for Canadian workers, especially those from underrepresented groups, such as youth, Indigenous Peoples and women; and works with provinces and territories to help more Canadians find and keep good jobs.

Taken together, these investments reflect the Government of Canada’s belief in creating a real and fair chance at success for everyone, ensuring that Canada’s best days lie ahead.

Quotes

“Attracting the best and brightest from around the world benefits all Canadians, and is one of the Government of Canada’s top priorities. I am proud that our government is supporting newcomers and helping them overcome barriers that limit their employment opportunities in Canada.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

 “I’m proud of our government’s new Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers, which is part of our plan to help people, including internationally trained newcomers, find and keep good, well-paying jobs; this will strengthen our middle class, help those working hard to join it, and grow our economy.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

“Newcomers to Canada bring high levels of talent, skills, experience to contribute to Canada's economy and bright future.  S.U.C.C.E.S.S. commends the development of the Targeted Employment Strategy for Newcomers.  We look forward to continuing our strong and collaborative relationship with government, the business sector and internationally trained newcomers to deliver innovative and specialized employment services that accelerate their foreign credential recognition process and secure employment in their areas of expertise.”
– Queenie Choo, C.E.O. S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Quick Facts

  • The Foreign Credential Loan Program, which is based on a previous pilot, will provide newcomers in need of financial assistance with loans to cover costs such as licensing exams, training, travel and skills upgrading associated with getting foreign credentials recognized.

  • Participants in the Foreign Credential Recognition loans pilot, launched in 2012, were able to accelerate the recognition of their foreign credentials, enter the job market, earn wages that were commensurate with their skills more quickly, and depend less on government transfers.

  • Budget 2017 proposes to commit $27.5 million over five years, starting in 2017–18, and $5.5 million per year thereafter, to give newcomers better pre-arrival supports; a loan program to help them with the costs of getting their foreign credentials recognized; and help getting Canadian work experience in their professions.

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Contacts

Matt Pascuzzo
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
matt.pascuzzo@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
819-654-4183

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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