REPORT FROM PARLIAMENT

Jobs are important, and having the skilled people to meet the societal demands for goods and services is a challenge faced by many businesses today. Saskatchewan is a thriving province whose labour market is critical for its continued economic success. On November 30^th, your Conservative Government endorsed a new framework to enhance foreign qualification recognition for internationally trained workers.

This is a part of our government strategy to rebuild the economy. We are making sure Canada has the most highly educated, skilled and flexible workforce in the world. Recognizing foreign credentials is one part of the plan that allows us to verify that a newcomer has the knowledge, talents, work experience and education to meet the existing standards establish for professionals and tradespersons in Canada.

Attracting and retaining the best international talent to address existing and future labour market challenges is critical to the long-term economic success of our province. By ensuring that foreign credentials and qualifications are assessed and recognized quickly, newcomers will be able to hit the ground running in the Canadian workplace.

To help international workers adjust to their new work environment our government will offer, fair, transparent, consistent and timely assessments, and will improve workforce participation services.

Canada is a land of opportunities where everyone appreciates individuals who bring experience, expertise, know-how, and a willingness to contribute to their community.

For more information about Foreign Credentials Recognition: http://www.credentials.gc.ca.

Hon. Gerry Ritz is the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.ca