• In terms of next steps, HRSDC aims to undertake the following:
  • further develop the research base on areas related to FCR including more specific data on immigration and skills shortages;
  • strategically target key regulated and non-regulated occupations such as pharmacists and the allied health occupations;
  • work with partners to develop a strategy to begin FCR work overseas;
  • continue to partner with and lever the actions or others such as regulators, sector councils, employers, educators and communities;
  • maintain support to existing Ministerial tables – Immigration, Health, Labour Market and Education.

Maytree Foundation, Strategic Partners Initiative
Naomi Alboim, Associate, The Maytree Foundation

Systems Approach to Facilitate Labour Market Entry for Skilled Immigrants

• The Maytree Foundation’s Systems Approach presents a comprehensive model for the integration of skilled immigrants into the labour force, and includes the following components:
  • Incentives for stakeholders to collaborate in designing, delivering and evaluating programs and services for skilled immigrants, and for skilled immigrants to access them.
  • Access by skilled immigrants to an entire suite of programs and services offered either overseas prior to leaving their home country or once in Canada:
    • Information (for example the Immigration Internet Portal)
    • Assessment Services (PLAR, Academic, Skills, Language, including Occupation- specific language, Canadian Workplace Practices)
    • Expert Advice (Labour Market Counseling and development of Learning Plans, Mentorship by Canadian practitioners)
    • Integrated Bridging Programs to Fill Identified Gaps (Academic Courses, Occupation- specific Language Training, Technical Skills Upgrading, Knowledge of Canadian Workplace Practices)

Accelerated Integration Program for Immigrants

• The Maytree Foundation in partnership with a consortium of colleges and universities (Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Community College, Centennial College, York University, Athabasca University and Grant MacEwan College) submitted a proposal to HRSDC to implement this project as a pilot.
• The purpose of this project is to accelerate the labour market integration of new skilled immigrants by beginning to offer information, assessment and upgrading services and programs overseas, and then continuing in Canada as required, with ESL and occupation-specific language training, bridging programs, training on Canadian workplace practices. These programs and services would be offered using the existing expertise and overseas sites or facilities of the college and universities. This approach would also begin the linkage between potential immigrants overseas and communities across Canada.