Global Experience Ontario Presentation to the Newcomer Organizations Network (NCON) Meeting July 2007

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July Context Immigration to Ontario 277,973 of the 385,352 immigrants to Ontario in were aged 18 to 64, at the time of landing. In this age group: 50% (137,940) held a university degree 10% (26,790) had a non-university diploma 4% (11,377) had a trade certificate 13% (35,933) intended to work in a regulated profession or trade in Ontario 7% (18,908) intended to work as engineers About 29 % could not communicate in English or French at the time of landing

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Recent Initiatives: Passing the landmark Bill 124 – The Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, This legislation will break down barriers for internationally trained and educated individuals to obtain a license to work in their field of expertise. Global Experience Ontario, An Access and Resource Centre for the Internationally Trained. Signing the first ever Canada-Ontario Immigration Agreement to invest in settlement and language training. More than 90 Bridge Training Programs helping thousands of newcomers work in over 100 trades and professions. Providing Occupation-Specific Language Training in English and French as-a-Second Language. The Internship Program for Internationally Trained Individuals in partnership with Career Bridge. Ontarios Pilot Provincial Nominee Program, Ontarios first ever employer driven nomination program launched on May 24. Context (cont.)

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July Context (cont.) The Thomson Report The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration released the Thomson Review of Appeal Processes from Registration Decisions in Ontarios Regulated Professions on November 10, Principles that guided the Thomson Report were fairness, accountability, objectivity, transparency and collaboration. The Thomson Report identified many important issues such as: Lack of consistent pre-application requirements. Lack of clear and complete information about professional standards and admission requirements. Insufficient opportunities to demonstrate competence. Decision-makers may lack relevant skills to assess international credentials and experience. Inability to appeal or review a registration decision.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July Context (cont.) Key Recommendations of the Thomson Report Accessible Information About Registration and Appeal Processes Clear Criteria for Decision-Making Reasonable fees Access to documents on file Timeliness Alternative ways to confirm credentials or demonstrate competency when documents are unobtainable Training for decision-makers Independent audit and review of the registration practices

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July Bill 124, the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006 Bill 124, the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006, was passed on December 12, 2006 and proclaimed on March 1, Part V of the Act establishes the Access Centre for Internationally Trained Individuals. Global Experience Ontario – an Access and Resource Centre for Internationally Trained Individuals, opened its doors to the public on December 18, 2006.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July The Office of the Fairness Commissioner The Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act, 2006, establishes the Office of the Fairness Commissioner. The Office functions as an independent agency. Under the legislation, the Fairness Commissioner has a number of duties including: Assessing the registration practices of regulated professions based on their obligations under the Act. Specifying and consulting with regulated professions on the scope, cost and timing of audits. Monitoring third parties relied on by regulated professions for assessments. Providing information and advice to regulated professions. Advising regulated professions, ministries, government agencies, community agencies, colleges and universities, and third parties relied on by regulated professions (for assessments) on matters related to the Act. Reporting to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on matters related to internationally trained individuals and their registration by regulated professions.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July WHAT IS GLOBAL EXPERIENCE ONTARIO? Global Experience Ontario (GEO) is an information and referral centre within Ontarios Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July The 13 non-health regulated professions in Ontario under Bill 124 Architecture Certified Engineering Technicians and Technology Certified General Accounting Certified Management Accounting Chartered Accounting Forestry Land Surveying Law (including Paralegal) Professional Engineering Professional Geoscientists Social Work and Social Service Workers Teaching Veterinary Medicine

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July GEOs Primary Functions 1. Provide information and assistance to: Internationally Trained Individuals (ITIs) who are interested in professional accreditation in the 13 non- health regulated professions covered under the Act. Ministries, government agencies and community agencies that serve ITIs. Organizations including: schools, school boards, colleges, universities, occupational and trade associations, employers and regulated professions.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July GEOs Primary Functions (cont.) 2. Conduct research, analyse trends, identify issues and prepare reports Information collected from clients is kept confidential. Data trends, issues and analyses are shared with senior management and appropriate organizations.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July GEOs Primary Functions (cont.) 3. Provide information and assistance on internships and mentorships to: Ministries, government agencies and community agencies that deal with internationally trained individuals. Organizations including: schools, school boards, colleges, universities, occupational and trade associations, employers and regulated professions.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July GEO SERVICES Information on regulated professions Referrals to regulatory bodies Information and referral to support programs: employment programs financial assistance mentorships and internships bridge training programs language training programs

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July GEO Modes of Access Services are provided to clients in person, by telephone and through . GEO has a North-America wide toll-free number. GEO is also accepting international collect calls.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July General Trends

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July General Trends (cont.)

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July General Trends (cont.)

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July General Trends (cont.)

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July General Trends (cont.)

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July Health Force Ontario GEO is co-located with Health Force Ontario (HFO). Health Force Ontario provides services for the health regulated professions. HFO services are available in person, by telephone and online.

Global Experience Ontario (GEO) July General GEO Contact Information In person: 285 Victoria Street 7th Floor - Toronto Web site: Tel: or TTY: