About CAPE

Why do Immigrants with Engineering Backgounds (IEBs) need their own Organization?

Although IEBs arriving in Canada since 1986 are more highly educated and experienced than the host population and represent the leading edge of migrant workers associated with globalization, they have been locked out of their profession in Ontario and rest of Canada. There is a strong need for these immigrants to have an organization to promote their professional and economic interests, and act as a stronger public voice for them. CAPE aims to be this organization.

What Is CAPE?

CAPE Council for Access to the Profession of Engineering is a membership organization that aims to help Immigrants with Engineering Backgrounds (IEBs) coming to settle in Canada to realize their potential through the utilization of their engineering education, experience and skills.

History

As shown in our Chronology, CAPE began in 1990 when a number of independent associations serving IEBs got together. CAPE's initial focus was on the identification of employment barriers faced by IEBs in Ontario. Through this, CAPE's attention was initially drawn to the licensing process of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) and early initiatives that CAPE undertook were linked to working closely with the Admissions, Complaints, Discipline and Enforcement Task Force of PEO.

In June 2003, CAPE undertook the Engineering Access Project, a community action research project. This was jointly funded by Canadian Heritage, Human Resources Skills Development Canada and in-kind contributions by CAPE. It resulted in a multi-stakeholder employment strategy for immigrants with Engineering Backgrounds that was entitled From Canadian First to Canada First.

Strategic Plan 2007-2008

CAPE was incorporated as a non-profit organization in June 2006. Since July 2006, CAPE has developed a strategic plan and is restructuring itself to focus on the expressed needs of the immigrants with engineering backgrounds. The current focus of CAPE under this plan is on employment. CAPE is starting to implement its multi-stakeholder employment strategy. The Skills Commensurate Engineering Access Project that CAPE started in December 2006 is the first initiative in this direction.