Abstract

In Canada over the last few decades, education, occupational qualifications and work experience have been introduced as important criteria in the selection of potential immigrants. However, foreign "credentials" get very little or no recognition at all in Canada, a situation that reduces their holders to a non-qualified status. Hence, the fate of qualified immigrants on the Canadian labour market is becoming a growing concern amongst scholars and public policy analysts. It has been argued that an "equivalency" system between qualifications acquired abroad and Canadian (or provincial) qualifications could contribute to resolving this problem on the grounds that, if "translated" into domestic terms, foreign documents will be more recognizable to certifying bodies and potential employers in the job market. Quebec is among other provinces to have implemented such a system. Indeed, the Service d'equivalence of the Ministere des Communaute's culturelles et de l'Immigration (MCCI) is said to be the most comprehensive system in the country. However, no studies seem to have ever been conducted to evaluate the efficiency of such a system in assisting newcomers in the process of labour market integration. The objective of this thesis is, therefore, to examine the literature's claim that an equivalency document for foreign qualifications is an efficient tool in labour market integration in one's own field of expertise. This research is based on a survey of Quebec immigrants and its findings emanate from their personal experiences, perceptions and opinions. It was found not only that the equivalency certificate does not represent an efficient tool for labour market integration but also that rapid integration into the labour force is a priority over the equivalency process. The results of this research carry important messages that are worth considering in future policies or initiatives regarding foreign credentials.