Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner necessary?
• How will the Office help Manitoba?
• What does the Office do?
• What does the the Fairness Commissioner do?
• Does the Fairness Commissioner deal with immigrants' complaints?
• What does internationally educated mean?
• What is a regulator?
• Which regulated professions are subject to the Act?
• Is a college a regulatory body?
• Does the Office get involved in the work of regulators?
• How does the Office ensure regulators comply with the Act?
• When are regulators required to report to the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner?
• Will there be regulations required to comply with the Act?
• When will regulators be consulted about the regulations?
• What support will the Office provide regulators for the renewal of their registration process?
• What happens if a regulator does not comply with the Act?
• I was a professional in my home country. Can the Office help me register?
• Who will assess my qualifications?
• My qualifications are not recognized by my regulator. Who can help me?
• Is the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner part of the Manitoba government?
• Does the Office benefit professionals who are educated in Canada?

Why is the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner necessary?

The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act indicates the Minister is responsible for providing information and assistance respecting fair registration practices and related matters to regulated professions and organizations that deal with internationally educated immigrants, including community organizations, post secondary institutions, trade organizations and government departments.

How will the Office help Manitoba?

The Office will work to ensure internationally educated immigrants have access to assessment and registration practices that result in more effective pathways to employment. This means qualified immigrants will be able to practice their professions and use their experience and expertise to help boost our economy.

What does the Office do?

The Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner implements the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act. The Act ensures regulators use registration practices that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair.

What does the Fairness Commissioner do?

The Fairness Commissioner:

• Provides regulators with information and advice concerning requirements of the Act
• Reviews registration practices of regulators for compliance with the Act
• Makes recommendations and works directly with regulators to improve pathways to registration for immigrants trying to establish their careers in Manitoba
• Reports to the Minister of Labour and Immigration

Does the Fairness Commissioner deal with immigrants' complaints?

No. The Act explicitly prohibits the Fairness Commissioner from doing so. The Fairness Commissioner's role is to bring about positive change to assessment and registration practices in Manitoba to ensure internationally educated immigrants are treated fairly.

What does internationally educated mean?

Internationally educated refers to a person who has been educated in a country other than Canada to practice a regulated profession.

What is a regulator?

A regulator is an association or government body responsible for the governance of a profession. The regulator sets standards of practice and qualifications. It assesses an individual's education and experience, and must grant them a license before they can legally practice their profession.

Which regulated professions are subject to the Act?

Today, the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act applies to only these 30 regulated professions in Manitoba:

• College of Dietitians of Manitoba
• College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba
• College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba
• College of Midwives of Manitoba
• College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba
• College of Physiotherapists of Manitoba
• College of Podiatrists of Manitoba
• College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba
• College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba
• Manitoba Association of Optometrists
• The Manitoba Association of Registered Respiratory Therapists
• The Manitoba Chiropractors Association
• The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba
• The Manitoba Dental Association
• The Denturists Association
• The Manitoba Naturopathic Association
• The Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association
• The Manitoba Speech and Hearing Association
• The Opticians of Manitoba
• The Psychological Association of Manitoba

• Association of Manitoba Land Surveyors
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba
• Certified Management Accountants Manitoba
• Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba Inc.
• Manitoba Institute of Agrologists
• Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association
• The Certified General Accountants Association of Manitoba
• The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba
• The Manitoba Association of Architects
• The Law Society of Manitoba

Is a college a regulatory body?

When we think of a college, we often think of a post-secondary institution. Some regulators call themselves colleges, but they are not post-secondary institutions.

Does the Office get involved in the work of regulators?

No. Fair registration practices are separate from professional practice standards. Regulators are best able to set and maintain standards for their professions to ensure applicants are qualified to practice safely, competently and ethically.

How does the Office ensure regulators comply with the Act?

Regulators review their registration practices and provide the Office with a report and analysis of:

• Registration requirements
• Timelines for decision-making
• Registration fees
• Registration of internationally educated applicants

The report helps the Office determine compliance with the Act. If the report reveals any barriers to registration, the Office and regulator will work together to eliminate them.

When are regulators required to report to the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner?

As stated in the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act, the Fairness Commissioner will specify when regulators need to review their registration practices and provide a report. The Office will work together with regulators to develop a reporting schedule. Not all regulators will be asked to report at the same time.

Will there be regulations required to comply with the Act?

The Office intends to develop Review and Reporting Guidelines to adhere to the requirements of the Fair Registration Practices Code. The Office will consider regulations should the guidelines prove insufficient to ensure compliance with the Act.

When will regulators be consulted about the regulations?

The Office hopes regulations will not be necessary. We intend to consult with regulators on reporting guidelines.

What support will the Office provide regulators for the renewal of their registration process?

The Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner will work collaboratively with regulators and support their individual needs. We are committed to providing expertise, resources and financial support.

What happens if a regulator does not comply with the Act?

The penalty for an offence is a fine of up to $25,000.

I was a professional in my home country. Can the Office help me register?

No. If you are in a regulated profession, contact your regulator to start the registration process. Click here for links to regulator websites.

Who will assess my qualifications?

Regulators assess qualifications or use a third party to do so. If your profession is subject to the Act, contact your regulator for more information about qualifications assessment. Click here for links to regulator websites.

My qualifications are not recognized by my regulator. Who can help me?

Please visit our links section to find out where you can go for help.

Is the Office of the Manitoba Fairness Commissioner part of the Manitoba government?

Yes. The Office is part of Manitoba Labour and Immigration. Our connection to all Manitoba government departments ensures comprehensive service delivery.

Does the Office benefit professionals who are educated in Canada?

Yes. The Office ensures registration practices are transparent, objective, impartial and fair for all Manitobans.