Foreign credential delays unacceptable

Years of Conservative foot dragging has led to systemic underemployment of newcomers

OTTAWA – New Democrats today accused Stephen Harper’s Conservatives of taking half measures and failing to act quickly enough to recognize the foreign credentials of internationally trained professionals. This hurts newcomers, leads to systemic underemployment and costs Canada up to $5.9 billion a year.

“Once again Conservatives are only taking baby steps in the right direction on recognizing foreign credentials,” said New Democrat Leader Nycole Turmel. “Unfortunately while they dragged their feet for years, qualified professionals new to Canada have struggled and fallen behind.”

Since 2007, New Democrats have called for a concrete plan to accelerate and streamline the recognition of foreign credentials, overseas degrees and previous employment experience, in conjunction with provinces and licensing authorities.

“When qualified professionals arrive in Canada ready to work, but get lost in the system, Canada loses out,” Turmel said. “They want to help build our communities and contribute to our economy—but they aren’t allowed to.”

Turmel pointed to an RBC poll from last year which found that nearly half of newcomers are underemployed. The poll found that, even after 10 years in Canada, one-third of immigrants still feel underemployed.

“Thanks to years of inaction by Mr. Harper, we’ve got qualified doctors forced to drive taxis while millions of Canadians can’t find a doctor,” Turmel said. “It’s about time the government take action.”