Manitoba Labour and Immigration

Ximena Munoz Manitoba Fairness Commissioner

Manitobans recognize the importance of treating immigrants fairly when they apply to register in their professions. The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act appeals to our inherent sense of justice. We proudly accept our role in ensuring fairness for the growing number of immigrants who seek better jobs and richer lives in Manitoba.

Manitoba intends to increase immigration to reach 20,000 annual arrivals by 2016. By then, immigrants will make up 100% of the net increase to our labour force. It is critical to the welfare of all Manitobans that qualified immigrants practice their professions and use their experience and expertise to bolster our economy and help us compete on the national and international stage.

Manitoba has long been a leader in the area of settlement and immigrant integration. Many of you have had a hand in landmark programs that help internationally educated immigrants work at their full potential. But our system is fallible. Internationally educated immigrants continue to face barriers to registration in Manitoba. To change the results, we must change the process. This is where the Act will help.

The Act ensures when applicants are qualified, Manitoba regulators have the eyes to see it. It will shine a light on our collective best practices. And where our practices fail to function as we intend, it will trigger innovative solutions.

We have many successes behind us and an inspiring road ahead. I look forward to working with you on your continued efforts to renew registration practices, to build on our shared interest in equality, and to bring Manitoba’s characteristic leadership to this new global environment.

Ximena Munoz
Manitoba Fairness Commissioner