B.C. expands international credential legislation

The B.C. government has introduced new legislation that aims to help more internationally trained professionals enter the province’s workforce.

Last year, the province moved to speed up the process to allow internationally trained doctors and nurses begin practicing. On Monday, the government introduced legislation that would see a further 29 professions added to the list, including social workers and engineers.

“Skilled professionals from around the world move to B.C. hoping to put their skills to good use but instead face huge obstacles and an often-confusing process to get their credentials recognized,” said Premier David Eby.

“With the skills shortage we have in this province, we cannot afford to leave anyone on the sidelines. That’s why we’re taking action to close the gaps in the system so people can get to work faster, fill in-demand jobs, and provide much-needed services to people in B.C.”

The province explains that the International Credentials Recognition Act will “properly value international work experience and eliminate the ‘Catch-22’ of requiring Canadian work experience prior to being accredited in Canada.”

The new legislation will mean that 18 regulators who oversee 29 professions — including early childhood educators, veterinarians, lawyers, and paramedics — are required to streamline their processes for internationally trained applicants.

Minister of State for Workforce Development Andrew Mercier says the move to recognize international credentials is a matter of fairness.

“Ensuring international professionals can build strong, prosperous lives for themselves and their families in B.C. is important to this government,” he said.

“The legislation we’ve introduced today will help people get their credentials recognized more quickly, regardless of where they were trained. This will help folks find work in their chosen fields faster, increase their opportunities for success, and build a stronger B.C. economy that is inclusive, sustainable, and leaves no one behind.”

Mercier adds it is also removing redundant language testing and implementing a maximum processing time.

“From veterinarians to paramedics to social workers and engineers and teachers, we have too many qualified professionals who have the skills they need that are universal here … that we need to help reach their full potential,” he said.

An oversight body will also be created, Mercier explains, with the new rules to begin in summer 2024.

“By designating a superintendent of international credential recognition to carry out monitoring and enforcement activities, this superintendent is going to work hand in hand with the superintendent of health to ensure we’re enforcing standards in regulating professions across the board,” he said.

Speaking at the media conference Monday, Hong Kong-trained social worker Alice Wong explained that as a new immigrant in British Columbia, she was left with little support to navigate becoming a recognized worker in the province.

“We are professionally trained in Hong Kong in the generic social work practice, and my social work degree has already been assessed by an approved Canadian credential evaluation service … [and found ] that is equivalent to the master’s level degree in B.C.,” she explained.

“B.C. requires internationally trained social workers to pass the licensing examination … However, Ontario [does not] need this requirement,” Wong continued. “It feels so unfair, why do we still need to take the licensing examination again?”

Wong says her frustrations and obstacles are not unique — there are many other internationally trained social workers, and other professionals, who face similar challenges.

“I hope that the new legislation will actually streamline the credential process, provide essential support, and also bridge the knowledge gap,” she said.