Political Pettiness Impacts On All Of Us

Looking for a family doctor? You are more likely to find him next time you take a taxi than in the medical registry. This holds true for most of the professions and the strange thing is the inability of qualified immigrants to get recognition seems to be tied the power of orgs like medical, engineering associations, etc.

Glimmer of light for newcomers
Nov. 27, 2006. 01:00 AM
CAROL GOAR

Ontario is tantalizingly close to cracking one of the most difficult challenges in Canadian politics. If the three provincial parties can forgo the urge to take partisan cheap shots, Queen's Park could provide national leadership in toppling the barriers that hold back highly skilled immigrants.

It's a big if.

Immigration Minister Michael Colle reacted with knee-jerk negativity last week when Conservative Leader John Tory put forward a well-thought-out plan to help talented newcomers find work in their field.

"I don't think he understands the scope of this," the minister said dismissively.

Similarly, when Colle introduced a groundbreaking bill last spring, giving the province the power to cut through the red tape spun by professional regulatory bodies, his Conservative critic, Frank Klees, sloughed off the legislation as a desperate pre-election gambit. "It simply underscores the cynicism of this Liberal government."

Such pettiness does not augur well.

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