The Ford Government Reduces Barriers for Immigrants with foreign credentials

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The recent announcement on October 21, 2021 by the Ford Government to remove the work certification for immigrants comes as a much-welcomed move for many newcomers, and also various Ontario job sectors that have seen an increased demand for skilled workers.

Currently there is a labour shortage in Ontario with 300,000 jobs unfilled - the consequences for the government mean billions of dollars in lost productivity.

Canada as we know it is a land of immigrants. From the first European settlers who arrived here at the beginning of the seventeenth century to the most recent influx of immigrants from Afghanistan, newcomers have been the lifeblood of Canada’s development.

Labour Minister Monte McNaughton framed the issue in terms of unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. He stated that the new legislation, if passed, would:

  • Eliminate Canadian work experience requirements for professional registration and licensing unless an exemption is granted based on a demonstrated public health and safety risk.

  • Reduce burdensome duplication for official language proficiency testing, so people would not have to complete multiple tests for purposes of immigration and professional licensing.

  • Allow applicants to register faster in their regulated professions when there are emergencies (such as a pandemic) that create an urgent need for certain professions or trades.

  • Ensure the licensing process is completed in a timely manner to help internationally trained immigrants start working in careers that match their skillset. Currently licensing time in some professions takes up to 18 months or more, according to the government.

Minister McNaughton went to say: "If these proposed changes are passed, Ontario would become the first province in Canada to help level the playing field in certain regulated professions so that workers coming here have the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their loved ones, and build stronger communities for us all."

The final choice of sectors affected by the legislation has not yet been determined, and it may take up to 24 months to implement the changes, but these are some of the sectors that are currently known to be on the list:

  1. Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario

  2. Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

  3. College of Early Childhood Educators

  4. Ontario Association of Architects

  5. Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists

  6. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

  7. Ontario College of Teachers

The news that the Ontario government might relax the accreditation regulations is indeed a welcomed turn of events for immigrants in the Regent Park, Moss Park and St. James Town area who are looking to kick start and return to their original career paths.

 

By Jessica Myutu

The Ford government to help foreign trained immigrants work in Canada.

 


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