Building On Success: A Forum for Immigrant-Serving Organizations Foreign Qualification Recognition (FQR) Edmonton September 29, 2016

Foreign Qualifications Recognition Foreign Qualifications Recognition (FQR) is the process of verifying that the education, skills and experience obtained in another country meet the standards established for Canadian workers FQR challenges for internationally trained individuals: Complex and frustrating system Often unable to find work in an occupation that recognizes their qualifications FQR system challenges: Range of FQR decision makers Increasing volume and diversity of applications Improving transparency and accountability in assessment processes

A Foreign Qualification Recognition Plan for Alberta (FQR Plan) First FQR Plan in Canada Launched in November 2008 To ensure immigrants have the opportunity to fully use their education, skills and work experience for the benefit of themselves and the Alberta economy

3 Strategic Themes 1. Specialized Information Immigrants have easy access to information regarding recognition of their foreign credentials 2. Assessment Standards and Resources Ensure transparent and fair assessment of foreign credentials 3. Bridging the Gap Ensure availability of appropriate programs to bridge gap between immigrant qualifications and standards required for licensure and the workplace

FQR Innovation Fund A key mechanism to support positive and significant systemic change in FQR practices Since 2009, over $8 million in funding for innovative projects serving to develop: Streamlined pathways to certification Self-assessment tools Bridge to licensure/certification/employment programs Intercultural competency tools Supports for employers to promote labour market success and retention of Internationally Trained Individuals

Examples of Employer-related Innovation Fund Projects Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Produced by Government of Alberta in collaboration with the Centre for Race and Culture Assists employers in understanding concepts of diversity and inclusion https://work.alberta.ca/apps/fqr/course/ Employer Inclusivity Index Developed by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Employers are provided with an overall score and report measuring their inclusivity. michael.bach@ccdi.ca

FQR Factsheets 60 accreditation guides for regulated professions and occupations describe the process to become licensed or registered to practice posted on the Opportunity Alberta website: www.AlbertaCanada.com/regulated-professions Over 148,000 website hits on the accreditation guides in the past three years

Sample FQR Factsheet

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) IQAS is a national and global leader in credential assessment In 2015/2016, IQAS issued 10,137 assessments to individuals with international education In August 2015, IQAS expanded services to provide educational credential assessments for immigration purposes Opportunity to deliver pre-arrival services and information to attract international talent to Alberta IQAS also provides expertise and advice to partners to promote accurate and fair recognition

Engagement with Partners Government is not a FQR decision maker but plays a leadership role and provides support in: Facilitating the labour market integration of internationally trained individuals Ensuring internationally trained individuals receive timely and equitable recognition of their qualifications Promoting coordination, collaboration and information exchange within and between partners Sharing best practices and ensuring accountability in improving FQR practices Helping partners innovate and implement new initiatives

Thank You. Questions. Emmy. Mukasa@gov. ab Thank You! Questions? Emmy.Mukasa@gov.ab.ca (780) 422-5081 September 29, 2016