TORONTO, ONTARIO, July 10, 2009—Newcomers to Canada will soon have better access to essential information about how to have their credentials recognized, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Mr. Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today announced funding for new projects that will help foreign-trained professionals find the information they need to succeed in their chosen career.
“Our long-term economic success as a country depends on allowing all Canadians and all newcomers to Canada to reach their full working potential,” said Mr. Wallace. “With these projects, our government is helping to ensure that newcomers have the information they need to get their credentials recognized in Canada.”
By contributing $655,372 to the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education (CFEE) under the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, the Government of Canada is providing foreign-trained practical nurses, medical radiation technologists, pharmacists and teachers with the information they need to get their credentials recognized in Canada. The organization will receive an additional $508,733 to update and expand the distribution of its Newcomers to Canada DayPlanner.
“Canada’s economy needs the skills and talents of foreign-trained professionals,” said Mr. Gary Rabbior, President of CFEE. “We greatly appreciate the funding that the Government of Canada has provided to support these initiatives designed to help new Canadians settle into their new life here and obtain recognition of their professional credentials.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is distributing $50 million over the next two years to develop a pan-Canadian framework on foreign credential recognition. With the support of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program and the Foreign Credentials Referral Office, real progress is being made in addressing barriers to foreign credential recognition in Canada.
The goal is to ensure that internationally educated professionals have their qualifications assessed and recognized in a manner that is fair, consistent, accessible and efficient, and that newcomers can more swiftly pursue appropriate pathways to employment.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan is the Government of Canada’s strategy to protect Canadians from the impact of the global economic downturn and to provide for the country’s long-term growth. Through major targeted initiatives, the Government is investing an unprecedented $8.3 billion to support workers and their families, including measures for income support, skills and training. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
