Canada immigration news: Ontario is ready to end the Canadian work experience requirement for foreign-trained lawyers, accountants, architects, engineers, electricians and plumbers under a proposed new provincial law.
“Ontario is facing a generational labour shortage with hundreds of thousands of jobs going unfilled. However, all too often, newcomers in this province struggle to find jobs in their regulated profession for no other reason than bureaucracy and red tape,” said Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton in a statement.
Read More Canada Immigration News
New Ontario Immigration Draws See 537 ITAs Issued Through 3 OINP Streams
Ontario Immigration Conducts New Large French Speaking Skilled Worker Draw
Ontario Express Entry Draw Targets 18 Occupations in Human Capital Priorities with 486 NOIs
“These are folks who often have the training, experience, and qualifications to work in booming industries where Ontario desperately needs help but are being denied a chance to contribute,” he said.
“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.”
In the legislation to be introduced this autumn, the province is expected to propose that:
The requirement of Canadian work experience often leaves immigrants stymied because they don’t have it and so cannot practice their professions. In 2016, only one-quarter of internationally-trained immigrants in Ontario were employed in the regulated professions for which they trained or studied.
Through its Ontario Bridge Training Program, the province is investing $67 million over three years on programs and services to connect internationally-trained immigrants with in-demand jobs in their communities.
Irwin Glasberg, the province’s fairness commissioner, has already given his two thumbs up to the proposed changes.
“These proposed changes would help to improve registration practices, address unfair Canadian experience requirements and remove related barriers for internationally-trained professionals and tradespersons,” he said in a statement. “I want to thank Minister McNaughton for his leadership on this important initiative.
“Our office looks forward to working with the government, professional regulators, and other parties to advance these initiatives and improve fair access to the regulated professions and compulsory trades.”
Sharaf Sharafeldin, executive director of the Muslim Association of Canada, said the proposed changes would allow immigrants to Ontario to contribute in a more meaningful way to the provincial economy.
“Newcomers to Ontario are an important part of our economy and represent a diversity of skilled trades and professional vocations essential to Ontario’s success,” said Sharafeldin. “The Muslim Association of Canada appreciates the initiative of the Government of Ontario that will make it easier for newcomers to match their foreign qualifications and skills to available jobs in Ontario, allowing newcomers to enact their agency and contribute to our vibrant economy in a meaningful way.”
Tonie Chaltas, the chief executive officer of the newcomer association Achēv, said the streamlining of the credentialing process for skilled immigrants is important as it helps make it easier for newcomers to find jobs and settle into their communities.
Discover the latest trends in Canadian immigration with a notable decline in permanent residency applications.…
Learn about the Parti Québécois' call to halt temporary immigration in Quebec, its impact on…
In a recent panel discussion at the Canada Strong and Free Network conference in Ottawa,…
Discover Saskatchewan's enhanced Immigration Services Act, bolstering protection for foreign workers, combating fraud, and facilitating…
Discover how newcomers to Canada can access a wide range of benefits and tax credits…
Discover how immigrant children in Canada outshine their counterparts, excelling in education and earning higher…
This website uses cookies.