Thank you, Mr. Chair.
First of all, I'd like to thank Minister Kenney and the department for being here today.
The issue of foreign credential recognition is not only an important issue for our country, Minister, but it is very near and dear to my heart as well. After coming to Canada from Punjab, India, with my law degree, it was nearly ten years before I was finally called to the bar in Canada in 1998. So, Minister, I understand and appreciate our government's strong investment in integration programs for all new Canadians. I also know that our government invests heavily in evaluation of foreign credentials and is moving forward to shape the practical outcome of it.
The issue, I understand, is that once foreign education is evaluated and new Canadians complete their required courses, there are certain professions—for example, medical doctors—who have difficulty acquiring residency. My question is twofold here. What is the federal government doing in this regard? How is the federal government reaching out to the provinces to deal with this serious issue?