QUEEN'S PARK – The McGuinty government’s landmark legislation to break down barriers for internationally trained individuals to work in regulated professions became law today, Ontario Citizenship and Immigration Minister Mike Colle announced.

"Proclamation of the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act is a great step forward for newcomers and for the people of Ontario who will be able to benefit from their global experience and skills," said Colle. "This new law will help ensure that newcomers are a brain gain for Ontario."

The Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006 is the first legislation of its kind in Canada. It requires Ontario’s 34 regulated professions to ensure their licensing processes are fair, clear, open and timely.

“This legislation, together with the right regulations and the commitment of all regulators, will place Ontario at the forefront of fair access for the internationally trained,” said David Hipgrave, President and CEO of Certified Management Accountants Ontario.

 “All Ontarians will share in the benefits of this legislation. The new Act is an enlightened and progressive response to a longstanding problem.  Our organization fully supports the direction this government is taking on this important issue,” added Howard Shen, President of the Chinese Professionals Association of Canada.

“The Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act represents one of the boldest attempts by a provincial government to address inequities that confront newcomers," said Madina Wasuge, Executive Director of the Hamilton's Centre for Civic Inclusion.

The Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006:

• Establishes the Office of the Fairness Commissioner to assess registration and licensing practices, and ensure compliance.
• Creates Global Experience Ontario, a one-stop information and resource centre helping people navigate the complex systems when seeking to enter regulated professions, and promote internships and mentoring programs. GEO is located at 285 Victoria Street on the 7th Floor in Toronto, Ontario.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS

Ontario’s comprehensive plan to help newcomers includes initiatives such as:

• Negotiated the first-ever Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement, which increases federal spending on language training and settlement services by $920 million over five years to front-line service providers in Ontario.
• More than doubling the investment to $53 million in IMGs (international medical graduates) this year – up from $16 million in 2003. An additional 750 foreign trained doctors are practicing in the province with another 470 enrolled in training and assessment.
• Since 2003, invested a total of $53 million in over 90 innovative bridge training projects assessing skills, providing training and work experience.
• Established the first provincial Internship for the Internationally Trained. Administered by Career Bridge, newcomers with a minimum of three years international work experience will be placed for six-month paid assignments within the Ontario Public Service and Crown Agencies.
• Created a Foreign Trained Professionals Loans Program providing up to $5,000 per person to cover assessment, training and exam costs.
• Launched an immigration web portal, www.OntarioImmigration.ca, to support newcomers both in Ontario and abroad, prior to arrival.

“The McGuinty government is keeping its commitment to break down barriers for newcomers,” said Colle. “This legislation means that more skilled newcomers will have the opportunity to enter the workforce and put their skills to work for Ontario.”

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Contacts:
Rick Byun, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-3460
Karen Ras, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7012