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CSMLS Statement on Proposed Increase in Funding for Foreign Credential Recognition

HAMILTON, August 27, 2015 – The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is pleased to see today’s announcement from the Conservative Party of Canada to provide additional funding to the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Program. These programs benefit both new Canadians and the professions they seek to enter.

Canada is facing a serious shortage of medical laboratory technologists (MLTs). About half of all MLTs will be eligible to retire in the next ten years. These shortages are already being felt in our rural and remote communities. One strategy to address the shortage is the better integration of internationally educated lab professionals into the Canadian workforce.

The CSMLS receives over 100 applications a year from internationally educated laboratory technologists seeking licensure in Canada. The road to successful integration into the workforce can be a long and costly one for new Canadians.

“The CSMLS has long been advocating for additional resources to be devoted to assisting foreign trained professionals enter the labour market successfully, especially those supporting bridging programs,” said Christine Nielsen, CSMLS Chief Executive Officer. “We are pleased to see that a re-elected Conservative Government will more than double the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans program.”

Canada’s medical laboratory professionals play a vital role in our health care system, generating over 440 million laboratory test results each year. The CSMLS hopes to work together with all political parties during this election campaign on this important issue, to ensure that all Canadians have access to quality patient care.

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada’s medical laboratory professionals. Incorporated in 1937 as the Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists, the society has over 14,000 members in Canada and in countries around the world.

For more information, please contact:

Christine Nielsen
CSMLS Chief Executive
Tel.: (905) 667-8684
E-mail: ChristineN@csmls.org

Alana Baker
Public Affairs Consultant
Tel.:(613)-233-8906
E-mail: alana@impactcanada.com