Information and Assessment Standards; The Manitoba Fairness Act 2 nd CANADA-AUSTRALIA ROUNDTABLE on Foreign Qualification Recognition March 20-22, 2013 VANCOUVER, CANADA

Working Together 2

Fairness Standard Dedicated and fair practices are applied for the assessment and registration of internationally educated applicants. Policies and procedures are documented, consistently followed and periodically reviewed to ensure their effectiveness. Elements 1.Clear, complete and accurate information to applicants 2. Standards of practice 3. Qualifications relevant and necessary 4. Reasonable documentation requirements and alternatives possible 5. Third party assessments are fair 6. Transparent, objective,impartial and fair assessment of qualifications 7. Trained and expert staff 8. Language requirements are reasonable 9. Registration process relationally fair 10. Different levels of recognition 11. Appeal available 12. Access to records 13. Fees are reasonable 14. Timely process 3 Registration Reviews: meaningful, concretely identify fairness issues, lead to progressive change.

One: Applicants are provided clear, complete and accurate information about assessment and registration process. Qualification requirements; Documentation requirements; Costs involved in the process + common associated costs; Length of entire process - timelines and key dates 4 Step-by-step, easy-to-navigate path of the registration process

Two: Documentation requirements are reasonable 5 Alternative documentation opportunities are available and clearly explained Three: Standards of Practice are identified and periodically reviewed

Four: Assessment of qualifications is transparent, objective, impartial and fair 6 Multiple assessment methods available. Applicants can demonstrate competence. Knowledge and competencies acquired through work experience assessed

Written reasons accompany assessment results and detailed feedback provided about qualification gaps Alternate careers information and advice 7

8 Five: Registration process allows for different levels of recognition. Opportunity for restricted or conditional license and supervised practice. Re-assessment only in areas where competence not demonstrated.

Six: English and French language proficiency requirements for registration and professional practice are reasonable... at key points in registration process A variety of English language tests recognized Appropriate use -expiration dating 9 French or English language proficiency levels identified and based on the language demands of profession

Seven: Fees involved in the assessment and registration process do not exceed cost recovery. 10

PROGRESS Increased understanding of the challenges faced by internationally educated professionals and the regulators Improved information Assessment processes reviewed to determine compliance, progressive action plans, supported action Quantitative information on IEAs applying for registration being gathered Development of new responses: professional practice seminars, gap training and pathways, language and communication supports 11

CHALLENGES  Work in the context of self regulation very limited oversight; need for human capital and high numbers of internationally educated professionals who seek integration  Requirement for fairness and public safety – needs oversight and support - source of information and advice and support  Need for longer term sustainable initiatives immerse within existing systems 12

Ximena Munoz Manitoba Fairness Commissioner 301 – 155 Carlton St. Winnipeg, MB R3C 3H8 manitobafairnesscommissioner. ca