2005 Activity Summary

The Ontario Regulators for Access (ORA) was officially formed in 2001 to encourage the collective collaboration of regulators of self-regulated professions in Ontario on matters related to the access of internationally trained individuals to practice in Ontario.

Specifically its mandate is

“to engage deliberately and strategically in developing and designing proactive approaches to internationally educated professionals seeking access to self-regulated professions in Ontario. Its vision is the recognition of the skills of immigrants and the continued enhancement and preservation of standards to ensure public protection for the benefit of all Ontarians.”

The ORA began as a voluntary group of 8 interested professions and has grown from a Steering Committee to a broad Consortium in four years. Membership in the ORA consortium is open to all regulators of the self-regulated professions in Ontario. Any interested professional self regulatory body may join the Consortium by indicating an interest to participate and designating a senior staff representative to attend meetings and carry on the work of the Consortium. In 2005, the ORAC was comprised of representatives from 21 of 38 professional regulatory bodies in Ontario.

Key Initiatives and Outcomes in 2005

The ORA met 5 times in 2005. Its work focused on the following:

• Transitioning:
  Transitioning from a steering committee with limited membership to a consortium framework with increased membership leading to enhanced collaboration between self-regulated bodies.
• Defining new terms of reference:
  ORA defined its new terms of reference, which specify the nature, and scope of the work of the ORA as a consortium. In particular, developing a structure for sustainability has been important.
• Developing opportunities for collaboration:
  Two specific projects have had debate and development, both arising from previous work with stakeholders on the identification of high impact priorities. One project focuses on the design of cultural awareness education programs for regulatory decision makers to ensure the highest level of knowledge and capacity. The project is proceeding as a proposal for funding. The other project focused on an orientation program for professionals wanting to work in Ontario. The project was set aside given simultaneous current provincial and federal projects.
• Web based communications:
  The ORA website has been a valuable communication tool to disseminate the resources created by ORA, such as add examples. In 2005, ORA discussed the maintenance of the website and the importance to improve the website to enhance its accessibility to diverse audiences, including regulator and ITI, Discussions with government on developing portals for Canadian newcomers is an important element in finalizing next steps.
• Performance Reporting:
  Consulting with the Access to Professionals & Trade Unit of the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration on the topic of indicators serving to measure progress in the area of access has been important. Significant input was provided by regulators to ensure the data was meaningful to all parties.
• Forming a Health Sector Sub Group:
  Given that 23 of the 38 regulated professions in Ontario are in health care and under the same legislation, a subgroup was formed to facilitate sharing in that area. Further, this group serves as a direct liaison on these matters with the Ministry of Health.
• Representation:
  Several opportunities existed to share regulatory expertise and interest on the matters of access of internationally trained professionals. Highlights include:
  • Responding to the Thomson Report – “Review of Appeal Processes from Registration Decisions in Ontario’s Regulated Professions”.
  • Representation of ORA at Roundtable on Immigration (Hamilton) with the Honourable Hedy Fry, MP, and on-going communication and liaison with the Canadian Labour Business Centre viz national initiatives on access.
  • Monitoring and reporting on Cross-Canada Hearings of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.
  • Participation in research study “On the movement of highly skilled health professions: A comparative examination of Canadian policy regarding health labour migration” – Ivy Bergault, McMaster University, Hamilton.
  • Participation in research study on access to professions: Towards a Comprehensive Labour market Strategy for Immigrants. York University, Toronto.

Future Focus

The ORAC is committed to seeking solutions that facilitate the access of competent internationally trained professionals. Membership continues to grow and policy strength is found in our collective sharing and willingness to collaborate. As the ORAC moves from this transition year, the importance of partnership with government and other stakeholders is a key focus. The desire to leverage our work has spurred continued discussion on the need for secretariat support. Initiatives which explore this and support meaningful projects which will impact change will be advanced in the coming year.

^top