How is it possible that Canada鈥檚 immigration levels are at their highest in years, yet at the same time we have shortages of so many skilled workers, from doctors and nurses to veterinarians and high-tech workers?
The blockage is in recognizing the credentials of all those highly skilled new immigrants. Our immigration system encourages people to come to Canada because they have the skills they need, then traps them in a bureaucratic tangle that keeps them from practicing their professions, and contributing as fully to their new homes as they can.
It鈥檚 not a new problem, and it鈥檚 not an obscure one. The story of the surgeon from Mumbai or the engineer from Hong Kong who winds up working a low-wage job for years while trying to get back into their field is now well-worn.
The province鈥檚 new regulations will knock down some of the barriers. Workers in 29 jobs, including doctors, teachers, vets, paramedics, engineers, and architects should have access to a faster system now. One of the key reforms is to throw out the requirement for 鈥淐anadian work experience鈥� in their chosen field. That was almost impossible to obtain for many, because how can you get Canadian work experience without your qualifications being recognized to work here in the first place?
The International Credentials Recognition Act should help get more skilled new Canadians working at the jobs that need filling. 
But there鈥檚 more work yet to do. The province has worked with 18 professional regulatory bodies to remove red tape, but there are 49 such bodies listed on the province鈥檚 own website. 
One element of the new legislation is the appointment of a superintendent of international credential regulation. That job title is a bit of a mouthful; hopefully it will come with some teeth. If this position can keep adding more industries and trades to the list of those ready to take on new workers, to recognize credentials based on skill, knowledge, and experience, that would be one of the best possible outcomes.
Canada is relying on new immigrants to fill skilled jobs in just about every field, from health care to tech startups. With our aging population, we need new, skilled people to keep our economy going. Hopefully, this new legislation is just step one of making that possible.
鈥� M.C.