Government of Canada supports internationally trained acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners

VANCOUVER, Aug. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Multiculturalism, announced that the Government of Canada is helping internationally trained acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners put their skills to work sooner, anywhere in Canada.

"We recognize the importance of trained health care professionals, including those practicing traditional Chinese medicine, in addressing skills shortages and improving the quality of life of Canadians," said Minister Kenney. "That is why we are working with partners like the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia to help Canadian and internationally trained professionals find jobs in their fields and contribute fully to Canada's economy."

The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia, on behalf of the Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists, has received close to $450,000 through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to put in place pan-Canadian entry-level examinations for Canadian and internationally trained acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners.

"Once licensed, Canadian and internationally trained professionals will be able to move freely between the provinces and territories without having to re-certify their credentials," said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). "This will allow them to enter the labour market quickly, when they are needed, anywhere in Canada."

"We are grateful for the funding provided by the Government of Canada, which enabled us to establish the pan-Canadian registration examinations for acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners," said Mary Watterson, Registrar/CEO for the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia. "The outcome of the project will increase the capacity of regulatory bodies to effectively recognize the qualifications of both Canadian and foreign-trained applicants."

Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, the Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories and other partners, such as regulatory bodies, to improve foreign credential recognition.

In 2007, the Government of Canada established the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) to provide internationally-trained workers with information and services for credential assessment so they can find work in their fields quickly. In 2011, the Government introduced the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Loans Pilot, helping internationally trained workers offset the costs of the foreign credential recognition process. To date, agreements have been signed with nine organizations across the country to deliver these loans.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.

This news release is available online at actionplan.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

The Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

Canada's Economic Action Plan invested $50 million to work with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders to improve foreign credential recognition. This partnership led to the development of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

Under the Framework, internationally trained professionals who submit an application to be licensed or registered to work in certain fields, along with all fees and relevant documents, will be advised within one year how their credentials compare to Canadian standards. They may also be advised of additional requirements or be directed to alternative occupations that would benefit from their skills and experience.

In 2010, service standards were established so that internationally trained professionals in eight priority occupations, including architects and nurses, can have their credentials assessed within one year, anywhere in Canada. The Government is now streamlining foreign qualification recognition for six more target occupations, including physicians and dentists. Economic Action Plan 2013 reinforced the Government of Canada's commitment to further improve foreign credential recognition and continue to work in partnership with the provinces and territories to identify the next set of target occupations.

For more information on the Framework, please consult http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/credential_recognition/docs/pcf.pdf.

Additionally, the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot was launched in February 2012. Delivered in cooperation with community organizations, this pilot is helping internationally trained professionals cover the costs of having their credentials recognized so they can find jobs that best suit their skills and experience.

The Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program and Services

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program aims to improve the integration of internationally trained workers into the workforce. The Program provides funding to and works with the provinces and territories and other stakeholders—including regulatory bodies, post-secondary institutions, sector councils and employers—to implement projects that facilitate the assessment and recognition of qualifications acquired in other countries.

Established in May 2007, the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) provides information and path-finding and referral services, both in Canada and overseas, to help internationally trained workers have their credentials assessed quickly so they can find work faster in the fields in which they have been trained.

The FCRO works with federal, provincial and territorial partners, as well as with credential assessment and recognition bodies, to strengthen foreign credential recognition processes across the country. Internet-based services for internationally trained workers can be found on the FCRO website at www.credentials.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada