Released on August 4, 2009
Saskatchewan has approved six exceptions under the recently amended Chapter 7 of the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT).
The recent amendments to Chapter 7 of the AIT support full labour mobility by ensuring that any worker certified for an occupation by a regulatory authority of one province or territory is recognized as qualified for that occupation across the country. Under the amendments, provinces and territories are able to identify exceptions for occupations.
"Full labour mobility is a principal that was endorsed by the Council of the Federation and is an important step toward building a stronger federation and a more robust Saskatchewan," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "The exceptions we are announcing today establish a fair and appropriate balance between our economic need for skilled professionals and the provincial government's commitment to help bolster health and well-being, safety and security as well as consumer protection across the province."
In the case of these six occupations, professionals moving to Saskatchewan will need to demonstrate they meet Saskatchewan standards as follows:
- Chiropractors from all jurisdictions - Basic Life Support, Level C;
- Dental Hygienists from all jurisdictions except Alberta and British Columbia - administration of local anaesthesia;
- Lawyers from Quebec - common law knowledge;
- Emergency Medical Responders (EMR) from all jurisdictions - administration of epinephrine pen and patient assist medications;
- Emergency Medical Technician Paramedics/Advanced Care Paramedics (EMT-P/ACP) from British Columbia and Ontario only - administration of blood and blood products and urinary catheterization; and,
- Emergency Medical Technician, Primary Care Paramedics (EMT-PCP) from all jurisdictions (New Brunswick for blood and blood products only) - administration of blood and blood products and urinary catheterization.
These exceptions are being implemented as the result of consultations with Saskatchewan's regulatory bodies. Exceptions may continue to be identified or removed in the future as Ministries continue to work with these regulatory bodies and other partners.
The amendments to the AIT, Chapter 7 come into effect once all jurisdictions have signed the 9th Protocol (agreement). These exceptions will come into effect after that date.
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Danyluk
AEEL
Regina
Phone: 787-7791
Email: lisa.danyluk@gov.sk.ca