Ford fails to lay out pathways for internationally-trained immigrants and credential recognition, excludes health sector: NDP

QUEEN’S PARK – After years of fighting for immigrants to have their international training and credentials recognized in Ontario, the NDP is disappointed that the Ford government has announced changes that exclude all health care professionals and fails to address international credential recognition.

MPP Doly Begum, the NDP’s critic for Citizenship, Foreign Credentials and Immigration Services, issued the following statement:

“Internationally-trained professionals immigrate from all over the world to this great province, and they deserve a chance to continue working in their fields and build a life here. Without a proper pathway to have their credentials and expertise recognized, the people of Ontario lose out on the doctors, engineers, therapists and other professionals we desperately need more of.

Today’s announcement from the Ford government falls short of what is needed to make it possible for internationally-trained immigrants to succeed in Ontario. It excludes all doctors, nurses and medical professionals. Ontario is experiencing a massive shortage of healthcare professionals, yet this announcement fails to address their concerns.

New Democrats have been fighting for internationally-trained immigrants and their families for years, and we will continue to do so until there are pathways made available for them.”