Premier Jason Kenney has put foreign credential recognition on the national agenda at the Council of the Federation meeting.

On July 10, Premier Kenney fulfilled another campaign promise by leading Canadian premiers in an important discussion on the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

“Promise made, promise kept. It’s time to make the ‘doctors driving cabs’ problem a thing of the past. Everyone deserves to work in the job they trained for. That’s why I’m proud to ensure the voices of newcomers are heard at this table and across the country.”
Jason Kenney, Premier

Adding foreign qualification recognition to the First Ministers Meeting agenda was a key commitment of the government’s Fairness for Newcomers Action Plan. This helps to accelerate the harmonization of credentialing procedures across Canada.

“As I’ve said before, giving newcomers the chance to pursue the careers they’ve trained for is not only beneficial to our economy – it’s the right thing to do. I look forward to working with my fellow Labour and Immigration minister colleagues across the country to advance this important file.”
Jason Copping, Minister of Labour and Immigration

An important first step in the government’s Fairness for Newcomers Action Plan was the Fair Registration Practices Act, which passed during the spring legislative session. It helps newcomers get their credentials recognized faster, cuts red tape, removes unfair barriers and increases fairness and transparency.

“Premier Kenney has made fairness for newcomers a priority for this government. I am proud of the advances we’ve already made to support talented newcomers who want to work in the field they trained for, support their families and contribute to the economy.”
Muhammad Yaseen, parliamentary secretary of Immigration

Quick facts
• According to the Conference Board of Canada, Canadians would earn up to $17 billion more annually if their learning credentials were fully recognized.

o Immigrants are the largest group, with an estimated 524,000 international credential holders affected by a lack of learning recognition.