Burnaby, British Columbia—The Government of Canada is making it easier for internationally trained geoscientists to find jobs in their fields. Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement today.
“Our government’s top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity, and we recognize that internationally trained professionals help fill skills shortages in key occupations,” said Ms. Young. “This is why we are working with partners like Geoscientists Canada so that newcomers can find meaningful jobs that contribute to Canada’s economy.”
Geoscientists Canada is receiving $782,000 in funding through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program for its project entitled Admissions Tools. Through this project, Geoscientists Canada will create assessment tools to evaluate the education and work experience of internationally trained geoscientists applying to become licensed in Canada. This new, national approach to credential assessment will help internationally trained geoscientists put their skills to work sooner, anywhere in the country.
“Geoscientists Canada very much appreciates the funding being made available for this important project”, said Mr. Timothy Corkery, President of Geoscientists Canada. “Geoscientists provide vital services to society and they are important innovators in Canada’s resources sectors. The approach to the assessment of internationally trained geoscientists for professional licensure that this project should bring will benefit all concerned.”
Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, the Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories and other partners, such as regulatory bodies, to improve foreign credential recognition.
This project is an example of how the Framework is bringing meaningful change to the way that newcomers’ qualifications are assessed in Canada.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
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This news release is available online at www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
Canada’s Economic Action Plan invested $50 million to work with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders to improve foreign credential recognition. This partnership led to the development of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
Under the Framework, internationally trained professionals who submit an application to be licensed or registered to work in certain fields, along with all fees and relevant documents will be advised within one year how their credentials compare to Canadian standards. They may also be advised of additional requirements or be directed to alternative occupations that would benefit from their skills and experience.
In 2010, service standards were established so that internationally trained professionals in eight priority occupations, including architects and nurses, can have their credentials assessed within one year, anywhere in Canada. The Government is now streamlining foreign qualification recognition for six more target occupations, including physicians and dentists. In 2012, the Government of Canada announced support for further improvements to foreign credential recognition and will continue to work in partnership with the provinces and territories to identify the next set of target occupations.
Additionally, the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot, was launched in February 2012. Delivered in cooperation with community organizations, this Pilot is helping internationally trained professionals cover the costs of having their credentials recognized, so they can find jobs that best suit their skills and experience.
For more information on the Framework, please consult: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/publications/fcr/pcf.shtml
The Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program and Services
The Foreign Credential Recognition Program aims to improve the integration of internationally trained workers into the workforce. The Program provides funding to and works with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders—including regulatory bodies, post‑secondary institutions, sector councils and employers—to implement projects that facilitate the assessment and recognition of qualifications acquired in other countries.
Established in May 2007, the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) provides information and path-finding and referral services, both in Canada and overseas, to help internationally trained workers have their credentials assessed quickly so they can find work faster in the fields in which they have been trained.
The FCRO works with federal, provincial and territorial partners, as well as with credential assessment and recognition bodies, to strengthen foreign credential recognition processes across the country. Internet-based services for internationally trained workers can be found on the FCRO website at www.credentials.gc.ca.
Geoscientists Canada regulates the profession of geoscience in Canada. This includes developing consistent standards for licensure and practice of geoscience, facilitating national and international mobility and promoting the recognition of Canadian professional geoscientists.
The geosciences include the traditional disciplines of geology, geophysics, geochemistry and hydrogeology.
For photos of the event, please visit: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/corporate/photo_gallery/2013/02/19/01/index.shtml
