Helping Newcomers Integrate into Canadian Labour Market

03/14/2014

Recognizing Innovators for Work in Foreign Credential Recognition

Ottawa, March 13, 2014 — Today Costas Menegakis, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister, recognized winners of the International Qualifications Network Awards (IQN) who devote their time to the successful integration of new Canadians.

The IQN Awards recognizes the hard work, dedication, and creativity of individuals and organizations in their commitment to helping newcomers become part of Canada’s economy and labour market more quickly.

The IQN is an online, professional community where employers, regulatory bodies, governments, and organizations share best practices in foreign credential assessment and recognition. This model allows stakeholders to play a critical part in enhancing the foreign credential recognition processes through innovative and creative methods in connecting newcomers with all opportunities in Canadian economy and society.

PS Menegakis presented awards to individuals and organizations in the following categories:

• Workplace Integration: International Talent Acquisition Centre (In-TAC) Employment Division of the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre (OCCSC).
• Innovation: College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Nova Scotia.
• Engagement: Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC).
• Overseas assessment or pre-arrival preparation: Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.
• Special Merit Award: College of Physical Therapists of Alberta.

Quick facts 

• International Qualifications Network website is administered by the Integration/Foreign Credentials Referral Office - a branch of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
• Since 2007, the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) at CIC has helped more than 2.9 million internationally trained individuals through its online tools, information products and in-person services, both in Canada and overseas.
• New features on the IQN include webinar technology for members to network and virtually confer to address challenges related to foreign credential recognition.
• In 2013, the IQN had 400 members.

Quote

“Our government is committed to providing newcomers with the support they need to successful integrate into Canadian society. We are proud to recognize the winners of tonight’s International Qualifications Network awards who are devoted to helping newcomers contribute to the economy and labour market more quickly.”