TORONTO, July 18, 2014 – The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) welcomes the federal government’s agreement with the provinces and territories to improve foreign credential recognition for 10 new occupations, including carpenters, electricians, heavy duty equipment technicians, heavy equipment operators and welders.
“PCA applauds the work of the federal, provincial and territorial governments to streamline foreign qualification assessment and recognition for these high-demand skilled trades,” said Sean Reid, PCA Vice President, Federal and Ontario.
“The measures announced today will remove barriers to fill skills shortages and meet labour market needs. New Canadians represent a significant source of skilled labour for Canada’s employers, particularly in the construction industry. PCA supports these efforts to integrate new Canadians more quickly into the labour market and to put their knowledge and skills to work.
With today’s announcement, the federal government has taken another important step to strengthen Canada’s workforce through immigration and integration of new Canadians into the skilled trades. It is an integral part of a complete strategy for building Canada’s workforce of the future, along with implementing a robust system for local skills training and apprenticeships and increasing labour mobility across Canada.”