The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, announced the creation of the Panel on Employment Challenges of New Canadians as part of the Government of Canada’s action plan to improve foreign credential recognition for internationally trained professionals.
New Canadians play a key role in our workforce, but our economy and society can benefit even more by finding better ways to tap into their skills and talents.
The Panel is being led by experts in the areas of newcomer integration, diversity and certification. It is the next step the Government is taking so that internationally trained professionals can get jobs in their fields faster.
The Panel is chaired by Mr. Nick Noorani, an immigrant advocate and social entrepreneur. He will be joined by six other expert panel members: Mr. Kim Allen, Ms. Wafa Berny, Dr. Lori Campbell, Ms. Margaret Eaton, Mr. Robert Henderson and Ms. Christine Nielsen.
The Panel is now meeting with employers, immigration-serving organizations, professional associations, regulatory bodies and academics in seven cities across Canada. There is also an online consultation accessible to all Canadians through the Employment and Social Development Canada website http://www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/consultations/index.shtml.
The Panel will prepare a report based on its findings. This report will provide an opportunity to develop new and innovative approaches to improve the hiring and integration of newcomers into the workforce. As well, it will highlight lessons learned in preparing newcomers to enter the Canadian labour market. The report will be available to the public in early 2015.