NEW INTERNATIONALLY TRAINED ACCOUNTANTS PROGRAM NOW OFFERED IN SASKATCHEWAN

It will now be easier for internationally trained accountants to work in Saskatchewan, thanks to a one-year pilot project in Saskatoon.

The Internationally Trained Accountants program (ITAP), which commenced today, is a partnership between the Ministry of Advanced, Education, Employment and Immigration and the Certified General Accountants Association of Saskatchewan (CGA-SK) that will bridge education gaps and include a full-time, employer-paid work experience component for up to 20 students.

"Our government is committed to ensure that newcomers can fully use their skills and experience to contribute to Saskatchewan's economy," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "The ITAP program will fast-track the recognition of internationally trained accountants so they can participate as accountants in our labour market."

The pilot program is funded through the Government of Saskatchewan's Immigrant Bridge to Licensing Program and the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program. It will include ongoing supports, accredited instructors, and peer collaboration as well as a variety of course options to help bridge the qualification gaps of internationally educated accountants to obtain their CGA designation. Participants will also complete two and a half months of relevant full-time Canadian on-the-job work experience.

"It is always a good time to be an accountant," CGA-SK Executive Director Prabha Vaidyanathan, said. "This initiative recognizes the labour market need, supports retention of skilled labour and enhances the economic sustainability of our province. The Association is pleased that the Government is committed to such endeavors."

ITAP targets immigrants with a university degree; specific accounting, finance and management systems knowledge; fluency in English; and who are not currently employed in accounting positions in Saskatchewan.

The provincial government has undertaken projects to assist immigrants with foreign qualification recognition in four other regulated occupations (physicians, occupational therapists, engineers and medical laboratory technologists). The government is undertaking a project with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission to research and identify best practices in foreign qualification assessment in the Red Seal trades across Canada.

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For more information, contact:

Daniela Machuca
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716