The ratification of the 1979 UNESCO convention led to an initial consultation process in the 1970s and 1980s, led by provincial and territorial governments prior to the creation of CICIC in 1990.
Since then, CICIC has taken the lead on these consultations in accordance with the terms of these conventions. Similarly, the signature and ratification processes of the 1997 LRC was the result of extensive consultations and measures implemented by provincial and territorial governments. Provincial and territorial ministries/departments responsible for education in Canada, as well as organizations in related sectors, have indicated unanimous support for the principles of the LRC.
The development of the tools and resources put in place by CICIC was based on consultations with governments, recognition bodies, and assessment services through:
- official committees and working-groups; and
- ad-hoc workshops, conferences, and events.
Some of these were carried out under the aegis of CMEC and CICIC, and others through sectoral organizations, with CICIC representatives invited as participants, speakers, or panellists.
Stakeholders from various regions across Canada were consulted, and most were employees of:
- federal, provincial, and territorial governments, with a special focus on ministries/departments responsible for education, the labour market, and immigration issues;
- academic credential assessment services that are part of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC);
- admissions departments at postsecondary educational institutions;
- other organizations facilitating the admissions process on behalf of institutions;
- professional regulatory authorities and associations of a regulated profession (for professional licensure);
- apprenticeship offices (for professional certification); and
- provincial fairness commissioners.
CICIC led extensive research on best practices, tools, resources, and other related publications produced within and outside Canada, to support discussions throughout these consultations. Developments within the ENIC-NARIC networks from other signatories to the LRC have also greatly contributed.