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

2. 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

3. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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
Employer Inclusivity Index
Developed by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion.
Employers are provided with an overall score and report measuring their inclusivity.

8. 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:
Over 148,000 website hits on the accreditation guides in the past three years

9. Sample FQR Factsheet

10. 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

11. 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

12. Thank You. Questions. Emmy. Mukasa@gov. ab
Thank You! Questions? (780) September 29, 2016