New Bill Would Clarify Rules for Regulated Professions

Legislation introduced today, Nov. 6, would make it easier for people who trained for a profession or trade outside of the province to work in their field in Nova Scotia.

The bill, an Act to Ensure Fair Registration Practices by Regulating Bodies, replaces the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act which was introduced in the spring session. More consultation was done over the summer to improve the legislation.

"Feedback from professional and trade organizations told us that the act needed more work," said Mark Parent, Minister of Labour and Workforce Development. "A working group representing the professions, trades and government was struck, and the result is much better legislation which supports regulatory bodies in doing their work of processing applications."

Darrell Pink of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society co-chaired the working group, along with Dennis Holland of the Department of Health.

The act would give regionally, nationally and internationally educated and trained professionals and tradespeople timely, clear and understandable information about registration and licensing requirements and processes. However, regulatory bodies will continue to control professional standards to ensure only qualified workers receive their certification.

Government and regulated professions will work together to support best practices in regulated occupations, from licensed practical nurses to lawyers to crane operators.

"In education and in the green environment, we often hear about three Rs. In Labour and Workforce Development, we talk about the four Rs: recruitment, retention, repatriation, and retraining," said Mr. Parent. "They are strategies that will allow more people to stay and work in the province and, just as importantly, encourage others to come. This piece of legislation is a key part of our prosperity strategy."