Internationally trained architects looking to work in Canada will soon have an easier time getting their credentials evaluated and recognized.
The federal government is providing $1.6 million to Architecture Canada to create a national system of evaluating and licensing architects with international education and work experience.
The funding comes from the $50 million the federal government allocated from its economic stimulus plan to improve foreign credential recognition in eight priority professions including engineering, health care, teachers and accountants.
As part of the program, Architecture Canada will work with Athabasca University to develop bridge-to-work programs and language training courses aimed at improving market integration for newcomers. Courses will be offered at the university’s new Centre of Architecture starting in September 2011.
Last month, the government provided nearly $1 million to the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada to create a streamlined online assessment tool to help internationally trained accountants obtain a CGA designation (See “National CGA association helping fast-track foreign accreditation ” BIV Daily edition, August 30).