The Ontario legislature enacted the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act in December 2006 to ensure that “regulated professions and individuals applying for registration by regulated professions are governed by registration practices that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair.” All of Ontario’s self-regulatory bodies were affected by this legislation.

In March 2007, the government appointed Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner to work with regulatory bodies to ensure that the credentials of internationally trained professionals are evaluated fairly and transparently. The commissioner will oversee regular audits of regulatory bodies and submit an annual report to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration on the implementation and effectiveness of the Act.

The Act also established the Fair Registration Practices Code, which details the specific duties of a regulator with respect to registration processes for all members, including those educated outside Canada. Those specific duties include access to information, timely decisions, responses and reasons, internal review or appeal, qualifications, assessment of qualifications, training and access to records.

Prior to the introduction of fair registration legislation, the College had made considerable efforts to ensure that its registration processes were transparent and easily understood. In response to this legislation and amendments to the College’s own Act, the Registrar initiated a review of its practices to help develop a regulation to ensure College registration and appeals practices reflect the requirements of the Act and support the audit and reporting functions of the Office of the Fairness Commissioner.

An external advisory committee of College stakeholders advised the review group as it solicited input from College members and applicants, community organizations and education stakeholders to obtain feedback on the College’s registration practices.

In March 2008 the final report of the College’s work group confirmed that the College practices are consistent with the Fair Registration Practices Code. The feedback received from participants in the review sessions and written submissions from stakeholders, community organizations, new College members and recent applicants supported this conclusion.

However, the feedback also highlighted areas within the College where changes and modifications to administrative practices and College policies would better address the needs of applicants seeking licensure from the College.

As a result, several recommended amendments to Regulation 184/97 were approved by Council at its September 2008 meeting to address many of these issues. These recommended amendments will be reviewed by the Minister of Education for implementation.

In 2009, the College will continue to improve its registration processes wherever possible. As well, as a result of the Fair Access to Regulated Professions Act the College is required to report annually to the Office of the Fairness Commissioner and will participate in a fairness audit.

The increased focus on facilitating entry to regulated professions and the recognition of international credentials and qualifications is not unique to the teaching profession of Ontario, but a reflection of international initiatives to enhance freedom of movement like the Lisbon Recognition Convention.

This review is one of a number of College initiatives and undertakings designed to enhance the registration process for all applicants.