Canadian Public Policy
WES engages in policy discussions with a range of partners, including those at all levels of Canadian government. Our goal is to ensure the adoption of policies in areas such as credential evaluations and employment equity, creating sustainable immigration pathways that allow all Canadian residents to make full use of their skills.
Approach
As the leading provider of academic credential evaluations in Canada, WES is in a unique position to advocate an effective long-term approach to immigration policy and to the economic and social inclusion of immigrants. Our policy work is informed by collaborative relationships and focuses directly on actionable impact.
Priorities
Internationally Educated Health Professionals
WES works closely with internationally trained individuals in high-demand fields—especially the medical profession, nursing, and regulated health professions—to develop policy and advocate reforms that allow equitable access to licensure and other opportunities for pursuing professional health careers in Canada.
Priorities
International Student Success
Ensuring Canada’s reputation as a top international education destination that provides integrity and accountability requires a multi-sectoral approach. WES seeks to drive coordinated actions and policy reforms that offer meaningful supports and protect international students from abuse.
Priorities
Immigration Policy
WES advocates a pan-Canadian approach to immigration and other policies that support a welcoming economy where new Canadians and permanent residents can put their skills and training to work. In advocating new solutions, we bear in mind the impact on other public policy issues, including affordability, access to housing and health care, regional labour market needs, and other concerns.
Insights
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Amplifying Voices, Empowering Communities: Journey of Reframing South Vancouver
WES Advisor |
Written by: Ani Gurtsishvili, Canada Program Associate South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH) is a community-based organization offering programs and services in the South Vancouver catchment. Despite its rich cultural tapestry, South Vancouver has historically lacked equitable resource allocation and representation. With more than 80 percent of its residents being racialized individuals and families, SVNH saw an urgency […]
Navigating Nurse Licensing Requirements in Canada
Claire Zheng |
Canada faced a nursing shortage before the onset of COVID-19, and the pandemic exacerbated the crisis. The Government of Canada projects that there will be 155,400 open nursing positions by 2031. Recruiting and licensing internationally educated nurses (IENs) have become one way to address this challenge. This article discusses how to navigate nurse licensing requirements […]
WES Partners with Five Communities Across Canada to Find Solutions to the Skills Shortage
Communities across Canada are struggling to find the talent they need. With the labour force expected to be close to 100 percent dependent on immigration to fuel growth, the communities’ need for immigrant talent has never been greater. In response to the ongoing Canadian labour crisis, WES launched #ImmigrantsWork to work with community partners in […]