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 and sustainable immigration pathways that allow all Canadian residents to make full use of their skills, expertise, and training, no matter where it was earned.
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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Eid Mohammad Sultanzoy: WES Offers a Gateway to the Future
Rasha Faek |
“Beginnings have a perplexing beauty.” This is how Eid Mohammad Sultanzoy, a 43-year-old Afghan refugee, describes his experience of arriving in Canada in the summer of 2021. He and his family were forced to flee Afghanistan after the Taliban entered the capital city of Kabul, took control of the country, and imposed severe restrictions on […]
How to Create a Newcomer-Inclusive Budget
Newcomers — including immigrants, refugees, refugee claimants, international students, work permit holders, and undocumented persons — contribute significantly to Ontario’s economic, social, and cultural prosperity. The province hosts close to 50 percent of all newcomers to Canada. Newcomers bring work experience and skills, new perspectives, and ethnic and linguistic diversity. Despite barriers to entering the […]
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 […]
Will Just-in-Time Immigration Policy Changes Meet Canada’s Needs?
Guliz Akkaymak |
In 2022, the job vacancy rate surged to a new record – one million jobs went unfilled. Meanwhile our population continues to age, and the workforce is shrinking. Labour and skills shortages are growing more acute in every sector. Policymakers are looking to increase immigration intake levels alongside streamlined measures to get more newcomers into […]