MARKHAM, Ont. -- The Conservatives are promising to make it easier for those trained abroad to have their credentials recognized in Canada so they can find work in their field.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pledging new funding for the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans program, which offers financial support to new Canadians while they complete the foreign credential recognition process.
Harper says that if re-elected, his government would provide $40 million for the program over five years, on top of the $35 million already allotted for it in this year's budget.
The money is expected to cover 20,000 new loans.
Harper says the Conservatives would also work with the provinces and territories to accelerate accreditation decisions for high-demand occupations, such as physicians, teachers and welders.
The program was created four years ago as a pilot project and made permanent this year.
