November 13, 2014 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – Employment and Social Development
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, today announced the renewal of the foreign credential recognition funding agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia. The Government of Canada will provide $1.3 million while the Government of Nova Scotia will provide nearly $610,000 for the Building International Recognition in Nova Scotia project aimed at helping improve foreign credential recognition within the province so that internationally trained professionals can get jobs in their fields faster.
Through this project, the Government of Nova Scotia will work with stakeholders and partners to create online tools and programs to help internationally trained workers prepare for their licensure exams. It will also develop projects to help bridge the gap in training programs and help internationally trained professionals investigate alternative career opportunities that best utilize their skills and experience.
Minister MacKay noted that highly skilled newcomers play a key role in our workforce, but our economy and society can benefit even more by finding better ways to tap into their skills and talents. As a result of these challenges, the Government of Canada is currently undertaking an online consultation accessible to all Canadians through the Employment and Social Development Canada website that focuses on employment challenges of new Canadians. This consultation is part of the Government of Canada’s action plan to improve foreign credential recognition for internationally trained professionals.
Recently, Minister Kenney announced that, in partnership with provincial and territorial partners, the Government of Canada will improve foreign credential recognition for 10 additional priority occupations. Specifically, the Government of Canada is establishing a one-year service standard, meaning new Canadians in these fields will have their credentials assessed within a one-year period. These occupations are: geoscientists, carpenters, electricians, heavy-duty equipment technicians, heavy equipment operators, welders, audiologists and speech-language pathologists, midwives, psychologists and lawyers.
Alexandra Fortier
Office of Minister Kenney
819-994-2482
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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