B.C. supports foreign workforce integration

More skilled immigrants will be able to have their professional qualifications recognized in B.C. with the renewal of the Foreign Qualifications Recognition (FQR) funding agreement between the federal government and the Province of British Columbia.

Under this agreement, federal funding of $3.3 million over three years will help speed up and improve the process for recognizing the foreign credentials and qualifications of immigrants in B.C. With over 280 regulated occupations in the province of British Columbia and approximately 38,000 newcomers to B.C. each year, a fair, efficient process for immigrants to get their certification and/or license to work in these occupations is essential to meeting B.C.’s labour-market requirements.

The federal government in co-ordination with all provinces and territories recently announced 10 additional priority occupations that are part of a national framework to streamline foreign credential recognition. Service standards for priority occupations are established so that internationally trained professionals can have their qualifications assessed within one year, anywhere in Canada.

This agreement supports a key objective of the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on a Strong Resource Economy between Canada and B.C. by helping to reduce barriers to labour mobility and foreign credential recognition for workers who relocate for jobs in the resources sector.

British Columbia works collaboratively with the federal government to support FQR investments, including prioritizing B.C.’s high-demand occupations such as the trades, technical occupations, and engineering. In 2013/14, B.C. invested approximately $3.4M in projects to improve FQR processes.

The assessment and recognition of qualifications in B.C. is the responsibility of 68 regulators. B.C. regulatory bodies are mandated to ensure all individuals seeking licensing or certification meet occupational standards that uphold public health and safety.

Funding to make FQR projects possible is provided by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour said, “Our government is committed to delivering a trained workforce for jobs in the Liquefied Natural Gas industry and other key sectors. This agreement helps ensure that newcomers can use the skills and work experience they have attained outside of Canada to find meaningful work here in British Columbia. Immigration has played a key role in building our country and province, and we want to be sure that we are maximizing the benefit of the skilled individuals who choose British Columbia as their new home.”

Press Release, August 8, 2014; Image: gov.bc.ca