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Foreign Qualification RecognitionFunding Guidelines
Advanced Education, Skills and LabourGovernment of Newfoundland and LabradorP.O. Box 8700St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 4J6Phone: 1-709-729-6607Fax: 1-709-729-7381Available in alternate formats, upon request.
1Foreign Qualification Recognition Funding Guidelines
INTRODUCTIONThe Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour is seeking expressions of interest for the development of initiatives under the project, Foreign Qualification Recognition in Newfoundland and Labrador: Developing Provincial Capacity, to enhance foreign qualification recognition capacity in the province. It supports the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications with respect to regulated occupations and trades and is funded by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program
BACKGROUNDForeign qualification recognition is the process of verifying that the knowledge, skills, work experience and education obtained in another country are comparable to the standards established for Canadian professionals and tradespeople. The Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications (Framework) describes steps and processes to foster successful immigrant labour market integration and address current gaps.
Target occupations to date under the Framework include: architects, engineers, financial auditors and accountants, medical laboratory technologists, occupational therapists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, registered nurses, dentists, engineering technicians, licensed practical nurses, medical radiation technologists,
physicians, teachers (K-12), audiologists and speech language pathologists, carpenters, electricians (industrial and construction), geoscientists, heavy duty equipment technicians, heavy equipment operators, lawyers, midwives, psychologists, and welders.
Funding will also be considered for projects dealing with occupations that are not specified under the Framework.
PURPOSEExpressions of interest are being sought for projects that facilitate the assessment and recognition of foreign qualifications to ensure that internationally trained workers are able to
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integrate into the provincial labour market and contribute to growing the economic, social and cultural fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador.
All applications will be reviewed. Please note the following in regard to the Call for Expressions of Interest:• it is a non-binding process in that the
submission of an expression of interest doesnot give rise to a contract with the Governmentof Newfoundland and Labrador by implicationor otherwise;
• there will not be ranking of expressions ofinterest;
• there is no entitlement to an award but anapplicant may be selected; and,
• terms of any funding awarded will be basedon the terms and conditions in a fundingagreement and not on the Call for Expressionsof Interest.
DEADLINE FORAPPLICATION FOR FUNDINGApplications (as attached) will be accepted until January 26, 2018.
SCOPE OF WORKThe following diagram represents the steps and processes for an individual seeking to put their foreign qualifications to use in the Canadian Labour Market:
Source: Forum of Labour Market Ministers. “Pathways to Recognition in Canada.” A Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications 2009.
3Foreign Qualification Recognition Funding Guidelines
The Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour is seeking expressions of interest for projects that are aligned with the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications and will improve foreign qualification recognition within Newfoundland and Labrador.
Examples of projects that may qualify for funding include:• website and software development or
enhancement;• development of core resources,
communications materials, practical supports,or assessment tools - workforce integrationprojects;
• creation of bridging and training programs;and,
• other projects that enhance existing foreignqualification recognition resources.
Eligible activities will help achieve the Framework’s vision of “a fair and competitive labour market where immigrants have the opportunity to fully use their education, skills and work experience for their benefit and for Canada’s collective prosperity.” Foreign qualification recognition capacity may be expanded in the following areas:
Preparation and Pre-Arrival SupportsAs early as possible in the immigration process, immigrants will have access to reliable and accurate information and assessment services. Related benchmarks include:• immigrants are able to make contact with
key stakeholders, including the appropriateregulatory authority, prior to their arrival inCanada;
• immigrants are adequately informed of andprepared for the assessment requirements forregistration in their chosen field; and,
• improved availability and quality of assessmentpreparation and other early interventionsupport tools, including occupation specificself-assessment tools and reference and exampreparation materials.
AssessmentForeign qualification assessments methods will be reasonable and objective. Related benchmarks include:• assessment processes and requirements are
easily understood and widely accessible toimmigrants;
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• assessment processes and methods usedfor determining the recognition of foreignqualifications are fair, sufficient, and as timelyand cost-effective as possible;
• assessment methods consider foreign skills,experience and education relevant to workingin a given occupation in Canada;
• assessment opportunities are increasinglyavailable prior to an individual’s arrival inCanada; and,
• information regarding assessment approachesand tools is available online, and opportunitiesexist for practitioners and other affectedstakeholders to share best practices regardingassessments.
RecognitionRecognition-related decisions will be clearly communicated in a timely manner. Related benchmarks include:• criteria for decision-making concerning
recognition are transparent and easilyunderstood;
• immigrants are adequately informed aboutreasons for the decision, including theidentification of additional requirements forlicensure and registration, as well as avenuesfor internal review and appeals; and,
• outcomes of recognition decisions pertainingto foreign qualifications are mutuallyrecognized across provinces and territories,in accordance with the Canadian Free TradeAgreement.
Bridge-to-LicensureInternationally trained individuals will be made aware of bridge-to-licensure and registration opportunities, to allow them to upgrade their qualifications as required for entry-to-practice. Related benchmarks include:• immigrants have access to information
regarding the availability of trainingthat responds to the identified gaps inqualifications;
• immigrants have access to informationregarding career alternatives, where skillsupgrading is not a viable option; and,
• immigrants are able to acquire relevantpieces of upgrading with minimal repetitionof previously acquired training, whereappropriate.
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Workforce ParticipationImmigrants and/or employers will have access to supports that will foster the successful entry of immigrants to the workforce in a timely manner. Related benchmarks include:• labour market and career guidance information
is available to immigrants early and throughoutthe immigration process;
• supports for labour market integration areavailable, such as language upgrading, careeradvice, study preparation, mentorships,internships, and bridging programs;
• tools and resources are available to employersthat will enhance their ability to integrateand retain immigrants, including diversityawareness, workplace receptivity, andworkplace retention practices; and,
• supports for the development of innovativeapproaches to promote and facilitate the entryof immigrants into the workforce.
FUNDING PRIORITIESAll expressions of interest received will be reviewed. Priority will be given to projects that relate to target occupations under the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTSThe Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour is seeking expressions of interest for projects from organizations that are:• regulatory authorities with responsibility for
regulating occupations in Newfoundland andLabrador;
• immigrant serving organizations; and• educational institutions.
Other related stakeholders may be considered.
Organizations are encouraged to develop partnerships that will aid in the success of the project. The organization that has the authority with respect to the regulated occupation must be a partner in the project if not the primary applicant.
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DURATION OF PROJECTSThe term of any resulting agreement will depend on the scope of the project, but all projects must be completed by May 31, 2018.
AVAILABLE FUNDINGWhile all expressions of interest will be considered, the maximum amount of funding per project will be $15,000.
ELIGIBLE COSTSEligible costs include:
SalariesSalaries of staff of the project. Contract positions may be included under this heading.
BenefitsBenefits of salaried person(s) delivering the project, including Mandatory Employment-Related Costs, which are payments that the employer is required by law to make in relation to the employees.
Supplies and ResourcesOffice supplies related to delivering the program, as well as educational or promotional material, other printed materials, audio-visual resources and software used directly in delivering the program/project.
Facilities and EquipmentOffice rent for portion of office devoted to project, heat and electricity during office hours devoted to project; rent for meeting rooms or event space, equipment rental, photocopier rental, and telephone, fax and internet account for direct project delivery. Rent cannot be charged for space belonging to members of the board of the organization.
TravelTravel within the province for staff and volunteers directly delivering the program or project.
OtherIncludes items that do not fit in other categories, such as registration fees for a workshop conference related to the project, or other miscellaneous expenses.
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AdministrationUp to 15 per cent of the total project budget can be in the category of administration costs. These costs include:
Salary: Salaries of staff providing oversight or supervision to project staff for the hours spent directly supervising the project, as well as the benefits of those staff members. Salaries of staff providing administrative support to the project. Organizations can include contract administrative positions under this heading.
Benefits: Benefits of staff outlined above who are providing supervisory or administrative support to the project for the hours devoted to the project.
Other: Bank charges, liability or other insurance, bookkeeping, etc.
INELIGIBLE COSTSIneligible costs include:• capital costs, including vehicle purchases
or construction or renovations of buildings,monuments, etc;
• travel outside the province except in specialcircumstances pre-authorized and approvedby the Government of Newfoundland andLabrador;
• financial losses/deficits incurred by theorganization;
• wage subsidies, training allowances or tuitionpayments; and,
• lobbying/advocacy activities of theorganization.
CONTACT INFORMATIONFor more information regarding submission, and all other inquiries, please contact:
Workforce Development, Labour and Immigration BranchAdvanced Education, Skills and Labour P.O. Box 87003rd Floor, West Block Confederation Building St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador A1B 4J6
Tel: 709-729-6607Fax: 709-729-7381Email: [email protected]
APPENDIXCall for Expressions of Interest – Application Form
1
Foreign Qualification Recognition in Newfoundland and Labrador: Developing Provincial Capacity
Call for Expressions of Interest – Application Form
Please refer to Foreign Qualification Recognition Funding Guidelines for additional information.
SECTION A - Applicant Information Name of Organization
Name of Contact Person Position of Contact Person
Organization Civic Address
City Province Postal Code
Organization Mailing Address
City Province Postal Code
Telephone Facsimile
Email Website
If applicable, on average, how many inquiries from international applicants would your organization receive on a monthly basis?
If applicable, on average, how many applications for licensure does your organization receive from international applicants annually?
2
Organizational Profile - Please provide a brief profile of your organization.
3
SECTION B - Proposed Project Activities Note: If additional space is required to complete Section B, please add additional pages. Project Description - Please provide a description of the activities to be undertaken by the organization, including the problem/issue/concern that will be addressed by your project. Also include how the activities will improve existing resources and services, and enhance foreign qualification recognition capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador.
4
Timelines - Please list target dates for key activities of project, including proposed project start date.
5
Intended Outcomes and Expected Project Results – Clearly identify the intended outcomes/outputs and expected results. For each expected project outcome or output, identify the indicators, target, and data sources.
Note: If project selected, there will be reporting requirements, allowing for monitoring of the project and evaluation.
6
Cost – Please complete the table below.
Category Description Amount Wages, Benefits and Mandatory Employment Related Costs 1
Salaries
Benefits
Project Overhead (Activity Costs)
Supplies and resources
Facilities and equipment
Travel
Other 2
Administration Costs 3
Salaries
Benefits
Other 4
TOTAL 1 Salaries of staff involved in direct delivery of the project. Contract positions may be included under this heading.
2 Includes items that do not fit in other categories, such as registration fees for a workshop conference related to the project, or other miscellaneous expenses.
3 Up to 15 per cent of the total project budget can be in the category of administration costs.
4 Bank charges, liability or other insurance, bookkeeping, etc.
7
SECTION C ‐ Signature
I confirm that I have completed this project proposal to the best of my ability and that all the information provided is accurate and complete.
Name Title/Position Signature Date
Name Title/Position Signature Date
Office Use Only
Date Received (YYYY/MM/DD) Date Reviewed (YYYY/MM/DD)
Approved □ Declined □ Signature
Please submit the completed application form and any related documentation to:
Workforce Development, Labour and Immigration Branch
Department of Advanced Education, Skills, and Labour
P.O. Box 8700
3rd Floor, West Block
Confederation Building
St. John's, NL A1B 4J6
Tel: 709‐729‐6607
Fax: 709‐729‐7381
Email: [email protected]
Applicants have until 4:00pm NST on Friday, January 26th , 2018 to submit their applications for this
Call for Expressions of Interest.
