Ottawa, July 21, 2022 – After months of collaboration and consultation with member colleges and institutes, provinces and territories, employers, workers, and other stakeholders, Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is releasing for public review a draft of the first-ever national occupational standard for personal care providers (PSWs, HCAs, CCAs, RCWs, etc.).
A national occupational standard results from a job task analysis of a specific occupation. It is an inventory of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal attributes required for workers to perform proficiently in the role. Following its review and validation from industry stakeholders, it will provide voluntary guidelines to help employers, educators, and job seekers make informed decisions about hiring, skills training, and career choices.
Funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program, the occupational standard was first drafted by a national working group in consultation with an advisory committee of sector stakeholders. Revisions were made based on important feedback received from focus groups held across all provinces and territories as well as through a national survey. In total, more than 500 individuals contributed to its development including personal care providers, educators, home care and long-term care employers, government and public health officials, and other healthcare professionals.
From July 21 to September 6, 2022, CICan is encouraging all Canadians to review the draft of the national occupational standard and to submit their comments. The feedback will be reviewed by the national working group and considered for the final document that will be submitted to the federal government later this year.
Quotes
“This national occupational standard highlights the crucial role personal care providers play in caring for our loved ones. We’re proud of the leadership role colleges and institutes have played in its development. It has involved a tremendous amount of collaboration and consultation with a broad range of stakeholders across the country. This public review will allow even more voices to be heard and further ensure it is complete and representative on a national level.” – Denise Amyot, CEO and President of CICan
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the national and international voice of Canada’s largest post-secondary education network. It advocates, builds capacity, and drives knowledge to strengthen Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics. With more than 95% of Canadians living within 50 km of a member institution, and thanks to its extensive reach around the globe, CICan works to future-proof communities in Canada and abroad. collegesinstitutes.ca
-30-
For more information:
Julien Abord-Babin
Senior Strategic Communications Officer
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Email: jabord-babin@collegesinstitutes.ca
Phone: 613-746-2222 ext. 3131
Twitter: @CollegeCan