18 July 2023
Hon. Arlene Dunn
Minister, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
Chestnut Complex
P. O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
Via email: arlene.dunn@gnb.ca
Dear Minister Dunn:
Re: Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act
I am writing today seeking an update on the ongoing implementation of the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act. The Act was proclaimed in June 2022 and the General Regulation, NB Reg 2023-22 was implemented in March 2023. As you are aware, workforce constraints are one of the key issues hampering economic growth in the province (and elsewhere) and improving credential recognition processes is essential. As such, we are very interested in this piece of legislation and wrote to Minister Holder last June:
“…the workforce has become the top issue for New Brunswick employers, and we are hopeful that this legislation will smooth the process for businesses to recruit the international talent that they need to grow and fuel the province’s economy. Workforce development and population growth/immigration are two of our organization’s 2022 policy priorities and this legislation is a positive step forward in addressing both of these issues.
Another of our 2022 policy priorities is “innovative solutions to accessing primary health care” and the implications for this priority are also clear. Credential recognition in health care has been a key stumbling block amongst various practitioners – physicians and nurses may be the most apparent and pressing, but the effects of this legislation can extend well beyond these two fields of practice.”
At your earliest convenience we would appreciate an update on the progress made with the Act, particularly as it relates to healthcare professions in the province.
Sincerely,
Krista Ross, CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce