I was here a couple of weeks ago in another capacity. I am Chuck Shields. With me today are Christine Nielsen and Michael Brennan, who has already presented. We are all three members of the Health Action Lobby, and the leadership asked us to present to you on our experience with the issue.
I am CEO of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists, Christine is from the Canadian Society of Laboratory Science, and Michael you have met already.
I'd like to thank the committee for the opportunity to talk on behalf of HEAL, which is a coalition of 35 national organizations. We represent a broad cross-section of associations, institutions, and facilities. Our memberships include about a half a million individuals, providers, and consumers of health care in Canada.
Over the past 20 years, HEAL has had the opportunity to present briefs to standing committees and has released a series of policy papers on a number of issues, including the role of the federal government in funding health care, health human resources, entry to practice, and the Canada Health Act.
Last July, HEAL met with officials at HRSDC to review issues, challenges, and solutions regarding internationally educated health professionals or IEHPs. The concerns that were addressed then continue to be concerns for IEHPs. These include upgrading in techniques and knowledge to meet Canadian practice requirements; preparing to pass licensure exams; obtaining relevant work experience; developing professional contacts or networks; becoming socialized into the Canadian workplace, culture, and context, which requires business information, collegial support, and the soft skills necessary to obtain and manage successful employment; developing or improving communication and language skills; and developing, managing, and meeting career goals.
At this point, I'd like to turn the table over to Christine, who will continue with some other points we want to make.
Thank you.