THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW Canada) urges the Government of Canada, along with the appropriate ministries and regulatory bodies, to address the systemic barriers facing professional immigrants and to promote their full economic integration by strengthening Canada’s Credential Recognition Framework and bridging programs, through the following measures:
1. Develop and implement a standardized, transparent national framework for the timely and equitable recognition of international credentials, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, professional regulatory bodies, and employers;
2. Expand and invest in bridging programs and sector-specific training, ensuring these initiatives are accessible, affordable, and tailored to high-demand professions, enabling skilled immigrants to return to work in their fields of expertise;
3. Provide funding and encourage provinces and territories to establish structured mentorship and professional networking programs, connecting internationally trained professionals with established practitioners, employers, and industry associations to support career advancement and social capital development.
