The recent legislative changes in British Columbia mark a pivotal shift in the recognition of foreign workers in regulated occupations. The amended law eliminates the prerequisite for foreign workers to possess Canadian work experience to gain recognition in their respective fields. Additionally, it does away with language-testing requirements and introduces processing time caps.

The motive behind these changes, as articulated by the BC government, is to enhance fairness, efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the credential recognition process. Having received royal assent on Nov. 8, the legislation is poised to take effect in the summer of 2024. In preparation, the province is establishing an office for a superintendent and collaborating with regulatory authorities throughout the winter and spring.

BC Premier David Eby emphasized the challenges faced by skilled professionals worldwide who relocate to BC, expressing that the existing recognition process is often convoluted. Eby stated in a media release, “With the skills shortage we have in this province, we cannot afford to leave anyone on the sidelines.” The government’s proactive stance aims to streamline the system, enabling individuals to enter the workforce swiftly, address job demands, and provide essential services in BC.

The newly enacted International Credentials Recognition Act mandates 18 regulatory bodies in BC to eliminate recognition barriers in 29 professions. This inclusive list ranges from engineers and social workers to veterinarians, paramedics, early childhood educators, teachers, biologists, land surveyors, and architects. The legislation ensures that qualified professionals can pursue recognition expeditiously, irrespective of their training location.

Andrew Mercier, Minister of State for Workforce Development, emphasized the necessity of addressing the projected one million job openings over the next decade. He stated, “With the International Credentials Recognition Act, we’re making the process fairer and more transparent so all qualified professionals can work in their chosen fields.”

A crucial component of the legislation involves the appointment of a superintendent tasked with overseeing credential recognition. This role will play a pivotal part in promoting fairness, monitoring regulatory authority performance, and enforcing compliance with the new legislation.

The immigrant communities in BC welcomed this legislative stride. Olga Stachova, CEO of MOSAIC BC, lauded the move, stating, “This step will have a significant positive impact not only on the quality of lives and futures of newcomers but on the B.C. economy and society at large.” The overarching sentiment is one of optimism, foreseeing a positive impact on the lives of newcomers and the broader socio-economic landscape of British Columbia.

BC improves credential recognition for 29 occupations
The new credential recognition law will require 18 regulators in BC overseeing 29 professions to adhere to the new rules. The full list of occupations are listed below:

• registered music teacher
• professional engineer
• professional teaching certificate holder
• land surveyor
• early childhood educator
• landscape architect
• early childhood educator assistant
• applied science technologist
• conditional teaching certificate holder
• certified technician
• social worker
• veterinarian
• registered clinical social worker
• lawyer
• professional biologist
• architect
• applied biology technician
• notary public
• registered biology technologist
• emergency medical assistant, including paramedics
• professional geoscientist
• chartered professional accountant
• registered professional forester
• associate real estate broker
• registered forest technologist
• managing real estate broker
• professional agrologist
• real estate representative
• technical agrologist