This funding will facilitate the integration of skilled immigrants into the Canadian healthcare system by speeding up the process of recognizing their international credentials.
This funding will facilitate the integration of skilled immigrants into the Canadian healthcare system by speeding up the process of recognizing their international credentials.
The Canadian government is addressing labor shortages and the need for qualified workers, particularly in the healthcare sector, through significant funding initiatives aimed at improving foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, announced an investment of up to $86 million to assist approximately 6,600 IEHPs across Canada. This funding will facilitate the integration of skilled immigrants into the Canadian healthcare system by speeding up the process of recognizing their international credentials.
Boissonnault emphasized the importance of honoring the professional credentials of newcomers as a vital component of expanding Canada’s workforce and strengthening the healthcare system.
“The Foreign Credentials Recognition speeds up the accreditation for 6,600 people, and is not only the right thing to do, but one of the best ways we can fill labor gaps, strengthen our healthcare system and grow our economy,” said Boissonnault.
Similarly, Health Minister Mark Holland highlighted the role of this funding in easing labor challenges in the healthcare system.
“Health care workers deliver the care that Canadians need. By bringing in new workers and retaining those who are already there, we can help relieve the labor challenges in our health care system. This federal funding supports our government’s work with provinces, territories, and stakeholders to have more health care workers enter Canada’s workforce and to streamline that process.
“Together, this will improve our healthcare system so Canadians can get the care they need and deserve,” Holland stated.
Commitment
During the Health Ministers’ Meeting in October 2023, the Canadian government committed to addressing challenges in the health workforce. This funding aligns with those commitments, focusing on key occupations such as nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, laboratory technicians, and respiratory therapy.
The funding will be distributed to 15 organizations across Canada. This investment is part of a broader strategy to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the country.
Focus on credential recognition
The program aims to reduce barriers in foreign credential recognition for IEHPs. This includes streamlining processes, simplifying credential recognition steps, and providing increased access to practice in relevant fields.
Also, the initiative also includes providing relevant Canadian work experience for IEHPs, along with additional support such as childcare, transportation costs, mentoring, and coaching.
Another key aspect of this program is to facilitate labour mobility between different jurisdictions in Canada. This will help reduce systemic and administrative barriers for health professionals wishing to work in various regions across the country.
Current healthcare sector scenario
This program collaborates with provinces, territories, regulatory bodies, and other organizations to support faster and more efficient credential recognition systems. Its ultimate goal is to grow Canada’s economy, create quality employment, and promote a sustainable health workforce.
As of the second quarter of 2023, there are approximately 90,000 unfilled positions in health occupations in Canada.
The President Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry, Jim Lai, expressed enthusiasm for the federal government’s support in accelerating the qualification and licensing of internationally trained dentists.
“The Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry is thrilled to receive this support from the federal government to fund the development and testing of a new program to speed the qualification and licensing of dentists trained elsewhere in the world so they can practice in Canada. With the government’s recent introduction of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan, and its policy of increasing immigration into Canada, there are plans to both help Canada’s poorest and most marginalized people gain access to dental care, and to integrate internationally trained dentists into Canada’s health care workforce,” Lai said.
Challenges for newcomers, significance
Despite high educational levels, skilled newcomers often face higher unemployment rates and difficulties in securing jobs in regulated occupations.
Notwithstanding the challenges often encountered by the newcomers, these measures are expected to significantly contribute to reducing healthcare system strains and improving service delivery across Canada. By integrating skilled international professionals into the workforce, the government aims to enhance the quality of healthcare services and address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
Future projections, budget allocations
With immigration expected to hit record levels by 2025, the Canadian government’s Budget 2022 and Budget 2023 have outlined significant investments for the Foreign Credential Recognition Program and overall healthcare improvement. This includes an additional $115M over five years starting in 2022-2023 and $30M ongoing for the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, focusing on the health sector. Budget 2023 plans over $200 billion in healthcare investments over 10 years.
The funding is part of a broader effort by the Government of Canada to support newcomers. This includes services through the Settlement Program managed by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, assisting with employment and foreign credential recognition.
Looking ahead
As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, these initiatives are a critical step towards ensuring that Canada’s healthcare system remains robust and responsive to the needs of its population. The focus on credential recognition and labor mobility is crucial for leveraging the skills and expertise of internationally trained professionals, ultimately benefiting the Canadian healthcare sector and its beneficiaries.
The Government of Canada’s recent funding announcement and strategic focus on foreign credential recognition for IEHPs represent a significant effort to address the ongoing labor shortages in the healthcare sector. By facilitating the integration of internationally trained professionals into the Canadian workforce, the government is not only enhancing the healthcare system but also reinforcing its commitment to building a diverse and inclusive society.
