B.C. to remove barriers for internationally trained professionals: premier

The British Columbia government has introduced legislation that is expected to add skilled workers into the labour force more quickly by reducing barriers for internationally trained professionals. 

Premier David Eby says B.C. cannot leave people with skills and experience on the sidelines, given labour shortages the province is facing now and in the coming years.

He says the legislation would require regulatory bodies to remove "unfair barriers" for 29 different professions, including veterinarians, lawyers, teachers, paramedics, early childhood educators, architects, natural resource professionals and others.

With new legislation introduced today, we're making it easier for internationally trained skilled people to work in BC. More people will now be able to work in 29 in-demand sectors, and British Columbians can benefit from having more professionals at work. https://t.co/4a0uOZvROe pic.twitter.com/d0yZbvYuNX

— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) October 23, 2023

So great to see Shelly D'Mello from the @ICAVictoria this morning as part of our announcement on new legislation to better and more quickly recognize foreign credentialed workers.

Thank you Premier @Dave_Eby and Ministers @AndrewMercierBC and @selinarobinson!#bcpoli #yyj pic.twitter.com/43IRtoxUKm

— Grace Lore (@GraceALore) October 23, 2023

Eby says the act introduced in the legislature today builds on work the B.C. government has been doing to support internationally trained health-care workers.

Andrew Mercier, the minister of state for workforce development, says international professionals face unnecessary barriers, such as redundant language testing and a "catch-22" requirement for work experience in Canada prior to getting accreditation.

#ICYMI Premier @Dave_Eby introduces the international credentials recognition act which will properly value international work experience & eliminate the catch-22 of requiring Canadian work experience prior to being accredited in Canada.
Proud to see BC moving ahead on this. https://t.co/574o7eIFKv

— George Heyman (@GeorgeHeyman) October 23, 2023

He says the new law would remove those requirements and enhance transparency by mandating regulators to share details on their assessment processes.

If passed, Mercier says the legislation would also create a new superintendent responsible for promoting fair credential recognition and enforcing compliance.

The act would be set to take effect next summer.