The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has removed labour mobility exceptions to make it easier for Licensed Practical Nurses from other parts of Canada to work in the province.
Following a national review of training standards and discussions among provincial regulators, the Provincial Government implemented a policy change to remove labour mobility barriers with other Canadian provinces and territories for Licensed Practical Nurses.
Removing labour mobility barriers helps strengthen the province’s health care workforce by allowing qualified Licensed Practical Nurses to begin working in Newfoundland and Labrador more quickly, with fewer licensing delays or administrative barriers.
The removal of these barriers builds on direction issued by the Prime Minister and Canada’s premiers earlier this year, for the Committee on Internal Trade with the Forum of Labour Market Ministers to collaborate on developing a plan for Canada-wide credential recognition that considers the unique characteristics of each jurisdiction. More information about efforts to improve labour mobility in Canada can be found on the Forum of Labour Market Ministers’ website.
This policy change also aligns with Chapter Seven of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. This section of the agreement helps regulated professionals who are licensed in one province or territory to be recognized in others without needing to go through significant retraining or assessments.
The Provincial Government encourages individuals, such as Licensed Practical Nurses, with international or out-of-province credentials who are not working in their field to contact the Fair Registration Practices Office for licensure or registration assistance. To contact the Office, please email FairRegistration@gov.nl.ca or visit their website to learn more.
Quotes
“Thank you to the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador for working with us to remove barriers and enable more Licensed Practical Nurses from other provinces and territories to begin practicing in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is another way our government is making it easier to recruit and retain health care workers from across the country and the world.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth
“Licensed practical nurses play a valuable role in providing health care to Newfoundland and Labrador. Removing these barriers will make it easier for LPNs to join us as we continue to transform the health system based on recommendations from Health Accord NL. I encourage LPNs to explore the opportunities available at workinhealthnl.ca.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Health and Community Services
“As the regulatory body for Licensed Practical Nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador, our primary responsibility is to regulate nursing in the public by ensuring that Licensed Practical Nurses are competent and qualified to practice. At the same time, we recognize the importance of facilitating timely and efficient registration and licensure processes. The removal of labour mobility legitimate objectives reflects our commitment to strong, evidence-based regulation that supports both public safety and the evolving needs of our health care system.”
Wanda Wadman
CEO and Registrar
College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador
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