Government of Canada Helps Internationally Trained Architects Build a Better Future

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sep 21, 2012) - The Government of Canada is making it easier for internationally trained architects to find jobs in their fields through support for a newly launched program. Speaking at the International Interior Design (IIDEX) Canada Expo and Conference today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, helped to launch the federally funded Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects (BEFA) Program and underscored the importance of helping skilled newcomers succeed in the Canadian job market.

"Our government''s top priorities are job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity, and we recognize that internationally trained professionals help fill skills shortages in key occupations," said Minister Finley. "This is why we are working with partners like Architecture Canada so that newcomers can find meaningful work in their fields faster and help to contribute to Canada''s economy."

The BEFA Program was created through over $1.9 million in federal funding, announced by MinisterFinley in September 2010. This program will streamline the licensing process for internationally trained architects through a national online assessment tool and standard interview process.Internationally trained architects will be able to find out sooner whether their qualifications meet Canadian standards of practice, or if they need to undergo further training and skills upgrading.

"The architectural community sees great benefits from having internationally trainedarchitectslicensedasprofessionals in Canada. With it comes new connections, ideas and perspectives that can only enrich our profession, said Sheena Sharp, President, Ontario Association of Architects. "Wewould like to thank Minister Finley and her officials at Human Resources and Skill Development Canada for their financial support in the creation of the BEFA program. We believe that this program offers foreign trained architectsa fair and effective process to presenttheirwork experience and competenciesto be assessed againstpan-Canadian standards of competency for practice in Canada."

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.

The BEFA Program is an example of how the Framework is bringing meaningful change to the way that newcomers'' qualifications are assessed in Canada. Through pilot versions of this program, several candidates were successful in becoming certified architects in Canada.

To learn more about Canada''s Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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This news release is available online at: http://www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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Government of Canada Helps Internationally Trained Architects Build a Better Future