Much progress has been made in Quebec with regard to the recognition of credentials. To date, the Government of Quebec, and particularly the Department of Immigration, has signed agreements with at least 17 trade associations. There are also what we call fast tracks, or quick access to the professional bodies. Some associations offer courses to candidates who want to sit the exams administered by various professional bodies. That helps. The process can take between six months and a year. The whole thing is quite expensive, and people who fail the exam have to start over and pay again.
With regard to regionalization, in smaller centres and municipalities, people at times might even begin to work. Some employers help them gain a sufficient number of hours of work in order for them to obtain their competency cards, or after having passed the professional exams. The reason for that is because there is a greater labour shortage in the regions.