OTTAWA – Three years have passed since New Democrats presented a comprehensive plan for improving the recognition of foreign credentials but the Harper Conservatives are still announcing half measures.
“We welcome Minister Kenney’s announcement today but it is only a small step in the right direction,” said New Democrat Citizenship and Immigration Critic Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina). "More than one in four immigrants arriving in Canada will not benefit.
“Canada’s continued failure to recognize the credentials of qualified, skilled and professional foreign-trained immigrants not only hurts new Canadians themselves but our economy as well.”
The New Democrats’ plan includes coordinating with professional bodies and provincial accreditation offices to ensure a uniform and expedited recognition process throughout the country. It also calls for the establishment of reciprocity agreements so immigrants who arrive in Canada are ready to work immediately.
In a press conference today, Chow underscored a number of initiatives that could be implemented quickly and provide benefits almost immediately. Her recommendations include:
“For too long the Minister has been talking a lot about helping skilled foreign-trained immigrants transition into the Canadian economy,” said Chow. "It's time to get the whole job done.”