On November 8, 2023, the B.C. government passed Bill 38, the
2023 International Credentials Recognition Act (the Act).
According to a B.C. government news release, the Act is aimed at addressing
delays in accreditation by streamlining the international
credential recognition process, thereby reducing barriers for
internationally trained professionals in B.C. The new legislation
is designed to help internationally trained applicants carve a path
to working in their chosen careers with a view to filling the
province's crucial skilled labour shortages.
The Act outlines new responsibilities for professional
regulatory authorities to ensure the credential recognition process
is fair, efficient, and transparent. The Act requires 18 regulatory
bodies to remove barriers in 29 professions, including
veterinarians, lawyers, early childhood educators, registered
clinical social workers, paramedics, architects, teachers, and
chartered professional accountants. The government
