Backgrounder: Foreign Credentials Recognition Program

As Canada’s healthcare sector continues to face labour shortages, the demand for qualified workers to fill vacancies continues to grow. The Government of Canada is taking decisive action to address these challenges by investing strategically in projects that will help provide internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs) with the support, training and experience they need to pursue opportunities in this high-demand sector. The Government of Canada announced funding of approximately $14.3 million for four new projects through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP), each aimed at strengthening Canada’s healthcare workforce. These initiatives reflect a commitment to support the labour market integration of internationally trained professionals.

Foreign Credential Recognition Program Funding Recipients:

Organization: S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Project name: Active Career Connect and Engagement Project for Internationally Educated Health Professionals
Description: This project supports the integration of IEHPs into the healthcare sector in British Columbia and Ontario, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, chiropractic care, psychology, physiotherapy, radiology, dental hygiene, and caregiving. It provides profession-specific workshops on FCR credentialling and licensing, one-on-one case management, and work placements and wage subsidies to support the acquisition of Canadian work experience. The organization has extensive experience in delivering FCR and alternate careers programming.
Funding amount: $9,900,000
Geographical Region: British Columbia and Ontario

Organization: Health Association of African Canadians
Project name: Afro-Caribbean Nursing Continuum Program (ACNCP)
Description: This project focuses on supporting IENs of African and Caribbean descent as they pursue licensure and integration into the Atlantic Canada healthcare system. The project provides culturally relevant resources, mentorship, and guidance to help these professionals navigate the FCR process and successfully enter the workforce, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive healthcare environment.
Funding amount: $1,329,187
Geographical Region: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

Organization: La Société économique de l’Ontario
Project name: CarriElles Santé
Description: This project targets French-speaking immigrant and refugee women in Ontario and British Columbia, offering a suite of orientation services. These include job market orientation, FCR assistance, and employment services tailored to the unique challenges faced by this demographic. By facilitating early engagement and preparation, the project aims to improve participants’ prospects of securing meaningful employment that matches their qualifications.
Funding amount: $2,478,500
Geographical Region: Ontario and British Columbia

Organization: Windmill Microlending
Project name: Arrive and Thrive Canada
Description: The project aims to support IEHPs to be employment-ready and to successfully integrate into the healthcare sector across the country. The mentorship program will help them better navigate and understand what is required to achieve professional success in Canada. The project will offer tailored workshops aimed at providing participants with the skills they need to enhance their ability to obtain gainful and meaningful employment commensurate to their skills and experience by connecting IEHPs with participating employers.
Funding amount: $626,411
Geographical Region: National