STORY 3 ITEM 17

JASON Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister for Multiculturalism, celebrated a significant milestone last Saturday for the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Loans Pilot Project. Over 1,000 internationally trained workers have now benefitted from loans that have helped them get their credentials recognized helping them take advantage of job opportunities here in Canada.

Kenney stressed the importance of attracting and retaining the best international talent and helping internationally trained workers put their skills to work sooner in communities across Canada.

* The Government of Canada launched the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Pilot Project in 2012. The project is currently delivered in partnership with nine community organizations, including S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

* Eligible newcomers and Canadians trained abroad may receive up to $15,000 in loans to help cover the costs of licensing, exams, training and skills upgrading, which can often present a significant obstacle to credential recognition.

* As a community partner in Vancouver, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. has provided over 341 loans to internationally trained workers to date.

“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity, and we recognize that skilled newcomers help fill shortages in key occupations and make an important contribution to Canada’s economy. Through Foreign Credential Recognition loans, internationally trained workers can now get help to cover the cost of having their credentials recognized, so they can find jobs in their fields more quickly,” said Kenney.

“This pilot project brings government, non-profit organizations and private stakeholders together to provide financial assistance to internationally trained workers. It helps newcomers follow their career paths in Canada and integrate into Canadian society,” said Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.