Internationally trained Acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners are Welcome in Canada

VANCOUVER, Aug. 17, 2013 - Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Minister of Multiculturalism, announced that the Government of Canada is helping internationally trained acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners put their skills to work sooner, anywhere in Canada. "We recognize the importance of trained health care professionals, including those practicing traditional Chinese medicine, in addressing skills shortages and improving the quality of life of Canadians," said Minister Kenney. "That is why we are working with partners like the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia to help Canadian and internationally trained professionals find jobs in their fields and contribute fully to Canada's economy." The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia, on behalf of the Canadian Alliance of Regulatory Bodies for Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists, has received close to $450,000 through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to put in place pan-Canadian entry-level examinations for Canadian and internationally trained acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. "Once licensed, Canadian and internationally trained professionals will be able to move freely between the provinces and territories without having to re-certify their credentials," said the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors). "This will allow them to enter the labour market quickly, when they are needed, anywhere in Canada." "We are grateful for the funding provided by the Government of Canada, which enabled us to establish the pan-Canadian registration examinations for acupuncturists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners," said Mary Watterson, Registrar/CEO for the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia. "The outcome of the project will increase the capacity of regulatory bodies to effectively recognize the qualifications of both Canadian and foreign-trained applicants." Under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications, the Government of Canada is working with the provinces and territories and other partners, such as regulatory bodies, to improve foreign credential recognition. In 2007, the Government of Canada established the Foreign Credentials Referral Office (FCRO) to provide internationally-trained workers with information and services for credential assessment so they can find work in their fields quickly. In 2011, the Government introduced the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Loans Pilot, helping internationally trained workers offset the costs of the foreign credential recognition process. To date, agreements have been signed with nine organizations across the country to deliver these loans. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit actionplan.gc.ca.