I will take this question.
In our recently finished discussion project, we had a broad discussion with employers and our immigrant women. We are obviously gender-focused. We were glad to hear that we both face the same obstacles and barriers related to immigrants' full integration into the Canadian labour force.
From a new Canadian's perspective, both personal and in terms of many of my immigrant friends, we don't want to lower any standards. We appreciate this country for what it is. That's why we have chosen this country. But some barriers today often are of the “either my way or no way” kind.
Here's an example of the barriers that we face. I had my blood tested in my country of origin, I had it tested through regular checkups in Italy, and I had it tested here. I mean, somebody did it, and not just anyone; there are people who are qualified. So sometimes we face barriers that are put in place by regulatory bodies to preserve, let's say, the privilege or exclusive status of certain professions. They are not really there to ensure that standards are met. That's where I see the problem related to recognition of foreign credentials.