On October 23, the BC Government introduced legislation that will allow internationally educated professionals, such as engineers, social workers, early childhood educators, paramedics, teachers and biologists, to start working. The legislation will require regulatory bodies to remove barriers in 29 professions and make it easier and quicker for those qualified professionals to seek credential recognition, no matter where they were trained.
“The business community has been struggling with a skilled workforce shortage for decades,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “We need to observe and monitor the implementation of this legislation and ensure we know the results.”
Purpose of the new legislation
The proposed legislation outlines new responsibilities for many professional regulators.
Enhance fairness
Applicants will be treated equitably and fairly, without prejudice. Proposed provisions include:
Removing unfair Canadian work experience requirements
Prohibiting the need for applicants to provide new English language test results if they have already submitted valid results
Charging similar fees to international and domestic applicants
Increase efficiency
Applicants will get the information they need to obtain professional certification quickly and without unnecessary delays. To shorten wait times, the Province will set maximum processing timelines for regulators.
Ensure transparency
New transparency requirements will require regulators to publish all information about their credential assessment processes online. This will make it easier for applicants to understand how to get certified.
Require accountability
Regulators will be responsible to government and the public for protecting public health, safety and the environment. They will do this by using fair and inclusive processes that allow all qualified applicants to get certified. Accountability will be ensured through new reporting requirements and enforcement authorities.
Establishing a superintendent
The Province will create a new superintendent responsible for promoting Fair Credential Recognition, monitoring regulatory authority performance and enforcing compliance with the new legislation.
Implementation
Winter/Spring 2024: Establish Office of the Superintendent and develop regulations to support implementation
Winter/Spring 2024: Engage with regulatory authorities on transition to new responsibilities
Summer 2024: Legislation in effect
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Anita Huberman, 604-634-0342, anita@businessinsurrey.com
