March 19, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HRSD-06-001
TORONTO, ONTARIO—The Government of Canada is committed to creating a credential assessment agency to enable immigrants to better integrate themselves into the Canadian labour market, said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. The Minister made the remarks at a March 19 speech to the Public Policy Forum Conference "Integrating Immigrants: Building Partnerships that Work."
"The matter at hand is integrating immigrants as quickly as possible into the labour market, while making the best use of their skills," said Minister Finley. She stressed the importance of working together to make real progress in real time to ensure that Canada remains competitive in the global economy.
"I am committed to working with my provincial and territorial colleagues and all stakeholders to ensure foreign-trained professionals get properly trained and meet Canadian standards so they can start working here quickly. I am ready to use the levers of our Government to help advance our common cause," said Minister Finley.
"In the short term, improving the inclusion of new Canadians will help them start working to their full potential—and enhance our productivity. Their success becomes our legacy. Over the longer term, it will help to strengthen Canadian society—reinforcing our international reputation as a nation where women and men from around the world come together to build a better future. That is our shared goal," Minister Finley continued.
The Conference, organized by the Public Policy Forum, brought together senior decision makers from all levels of government, provincial assessment bodies, regulatory bodies, immigrant serving organizations, educational institutions, employers, the business community and non-profit organizations.
For further information (media only):
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Social Development
(819) 994-5559
