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November 24, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
05-91
OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development today announced the creation of a Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Secretariat, within Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), that will focus and consolidate the work currently under way within its FCR program.
"The work of the Secretariat will help coordinate the various FCR initiatives under way to improve systems and processes so that immigrants are better able to integrate into the labour market," said Minister Stronach. "It is clear that Canada's future prosperity and competitiveness will depend heavily on how successful we are at integrating skilled immigrants and foreign-trained Canadians into our economy and society."
The creation of the Secretariat is in response to Motion M-195 introduced by MP Ruby Dhalla and passed in the House of Commons on June 4, 2005. The Motion stated:
"That, in the opinion of the House, the government should create a secretariat responsible for overseeing the FCR program, which would work with all stakeholders and provincial representatives to coordinate and collaborate on activities, impellent processes, and assist in the research and the development of national standards that recognize foreign-training credentials in Canada."
The Secretariat will continue the work on Foreign Credential Recognition under way with provinces and territories, partners, stakeholders and other government departments. The work of the Secretariat will also include:
FCR Program management, design and delivery;
Working with other federal government departments;
Information sharing, including support for the Going to Canada Immigration Portal; and
Leadership and partnership development.
The FCR Secretariat will be a key element of the Government of Canada's Internationally Trained Workers Initiative, designed to promote a strong economy by helping immigrants and internationally trained Canadians contribute to Canada's economic and social development, while supporting the growth and prosperity of Canada's cities and communities. This will help ensure our continued success in the global economy.
Today's announcement is also linked to Canada's Workplace Skills Strategy, aimed at helping Canadians to become the best-trained, most highly skilled workers in the world, as well as ensuring that employers' needs are met. We will work to ensure that all Canadians have the opportunity to develop their skills so that they can obtain meaningful and productive jobs.
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For further information (media only):
Normand Bergeron
Special Advisor, Communications
Office of Minister Belinda Stronach
(819) 994-2482
