NEWCOMERS TO SASKATCHEWAN WILL BENEFIT FROM CREDENTIAL RECOGNITION

Newcomers to Saskatchewan in regulated occupations will soon benefit from more efficient and transparent credential recognition processes. The federal and provincial governments of Canada have committed to working with regulators to ensure that select foreign credentials are assessed within one year of an immigrant's application.

As part of the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister and Minister Responsible for Immigration Rob Norris is working to improve foreign credential recognition in Saskatchewan.

"We are working diligently to ensure that the knowledge and skills newcomers bring to our province are valued and recognized, as this is vital for newcomers, employers and communities across Saskatchewan," Norris said.

Through the new Pan-Canadian Framework, foreign-trained professionals, within designated categories, who apply for licensing or professional registration, will have a decision in hand within one year of submitting their complete application. They will also be advised of any additional requirements to meet licensing or registration criteria; foreign-trained professionals may also be directed to alternative options or related occupations that would benefit from their skills and experience.

Improving the recognition of international credentials is part of Saskatchewan's Immigration Strategy announced in June 2009. In anticipation of the Pan-Canadian Framework, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour has developed licensing fact sheets for 43 regulated occupations to increase transparency and assist newcomers in navigating the credential recognition system.

"Getting licensed can be a complex process that can hinder newcomers' integration into Saskatchewan's workforce and communities," Norris said. "As a government, we are committed to clarifying these processes to encourage internationally trained workers in regulated occupations to call Saskatchewan home."

Last year, through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nomination Program, 2,914 individuals were nominated for residence in Saskatchewan. The target for 2009-10 is 3,400 nominees, which, with spouses and families, will result in nearly 10,000 new Saskatchewan residents.

In the short-term, the Pan-Canadian Framework will apply to eight regulated professions; by 2012 the framework will be expanded to include more than a dozen occupations in total.

Beyond the regulated occupations covered under the framework, the Government of Saskatchewan partnered with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) in its creation of a "Skills Passport," a cost-effective new method of certifying the skills of workers hired overseas in areas such as English language and welding skills. The "Skills Passport," currently available in Ukraine and the Philippines, will move into other sectors of the labour market, based on employer demand.

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For more information, contact:

Daniela Machuca
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716
Email: daniela.machuca@gov.sk.ca