PREAMBLE

• Given that Canada's constitution, providing for a federal system in which legislative powers are allocated between the federal parliament and the provincial legislatures, gives exclusive legislative powers in education to the provinces;
• Given that each postsecondary institution in Canada has responsibility for determining what qualifications it will accept for admission to various levels of study and that most professions are self-governing, having authority conferred on them by legislation to determine the recognition to be given to qualifications, whether obtained in Canada or in other countries, for the purpose of registration or permission to practise a profession in Canada;
• Recognizing the importance to all Canadians of enhancing opportunities for education, training, and employment within Canada and internationally and the consequent importance of the recognition and the portability of credentials;
• Given the international obligations that follow from Canada's adherence to the UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region;
• Given the importance of enhancing the international dimensions of education, especially higher education, in order to prepare Canada to meet the challenges of an increasingly interdependent world;
• Given the need to ensure that Canadian studies, diplomas, and degrees are recognized internationally and aware of the importance of integrating persons trained and educated elsewhere into Canadian society and its economy;
• And given the importance of promoting individual academic, employment, and professional mobility;

the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC) was created with the following mandate:

 MANDATE

Under the terms of the UNESCO Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees concerning Higher Education in the States belonging to the Europe Region, and given the close relationship linking education, training, and employment, the Centre will

1. provide information on Canadian postsecondary studies, diplomas, and degrees needed to promote mobility and the recognition of Canadian qualifications abroad;
2. facilitate access to information on foreign credentials and foreign recognition activities to Canadian authorities and organizations;
3. establish and coordinate an information network in Canada of individuals and agencies involved in international recognition of foreign qualifications that builds upon and enhances existing provincial/territorial, professional, and educational networks;
4. gather and disseminate information on domestic and international certification procedures and recognition systems;
5. refer requests regarding recognition of credentials to appropriate Canadian or international bodies;
6. establish liaisons with relevant international organizations and participate, as appropriate, in the implementation of international agreements in this field.

 AUTHORITY AND STRUCTURE

Through the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), CICIC reports and is accountable to the provincial and territorial ministers of Education on matters related to information on education and training qualifications.

 SECRETARIAT

The Secretariat is organized in such a way that it can carry out the long-term goals of CICIC's mandate. CICIC staff prepares an annual plan and is responsible for the organization, the administration, and the approved budget.