Original article by: Norma Greenaway
Canwest News Service April 1, 2009

OTTAWA —Human Resources Minister Diane Finley has announced new aims to enhance the movement of engineers and environmental workers between Canada and the European Union. Initiatives designed to boost foreign credential recognition will be receiving $395,000 as a result.
 
Canada and the EU have also agreed to hold two roundtable events where experts will explore ways to improve labour mobility and balance the uneven distribution of skilled labour among countries. These events will be held in Europe for 2009 and in Canada for 2010.
 
"All of us are focusing on getting those people who do have the skills and credentials and training into positions where they can practice them where they want to live," Finley said.
The government will also fund work by ECO Canada to develop a mutual certification framework for environmental workers in Europe and Canada.
 
"Pollutants and environmental impacts do not respect national or international boundaries and, as a result, neither should the people," says Grant Trump, president of ECO Canada.
 
Finley said the ultimate goal is full labour mobility for regulated professionals between Canada and EU countries. "That's obviously what we're hoping for because that's the most effective and efficient thing to do," she said.
 
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