Harper promises foreign credential recognition

$6 million program would provide loans for immigrants to certify their training

Stephen Harper announced Wednesday that he plans help foreign-trained professionals get their credentials recognized in Canada. Under the $6 million plan, recent immigrants would receive loans to pay for training, registration fees, exams and other expenses associated with upgrading their credentials to Canadian standards. “These bridge loans will make it easier for new Canadians to find jobs that take full advantage of their experience and expertise,” Harper said. According to Statistics Canada, at least 40 per cent of immigrants, aged 25-54, are employed in jobs that don’t make full use of their skills.