More protection for International Students

May 13, 2013

MANITOBA INTRODUCES NEW LEGISLATION THAT WOULD PROTECT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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New Act would be First of its Kind in Canada: Selby

Legislation introduced today would regulate all education providers that intend to recruit and enrol international students, enhancing Manitoba’s continuing reputation as a destination of choice for study by students from around the world, Advanced Education and Literacy Minister Erin Selby has announced.
“It is important that we continue to provide a high-quality, safe and student-centred learning environment for international students,” said Selby.  “These students enrich Manitoba’s educational, social, cultural and economic fabric.  This act gives us new authorities to protect the people choosing to come to our province to further their education.”
In 2010, a report commissioned by the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade found there were over 5,700 international students studying in Manitoba and noted that international students contributed over $153 million to the provincial economy and supported over 1,600 jobs.
Under the proposed legislation, in order to enrol a student from abroad, every education provider would now have to follow a code of practice and conduct that would be established under the act. 
Among its provisions, the proposed act would allow the province to:

• inspect and investigate any education provider;
• suspend or cancel any provider’s right to recruit and enrol students, if they were to violate the code or the act;
• fine any education provider between $25,000 and $100,000 if they commit an offence such as providing false or misleading information, or obstructing inspections and investigations; and
• collect new information, in order to promote better understanding of Manitoba’s international student body.

“Manitoba will be the first in Canada with this type of legislation in place,” said Selby.  “Our high standard of education along with protection for students will help us attract more and more people to study and, ultimately, live and work in Manitoba.”

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March 13, 2013

FIRST ADULT ABUSE REGISTRY IN CANADA PROTECTS VULNERABLE MANITOBANS: MINISTERS

Manitoba’s adult abuse registry, the first of its kind in Canada, is now in place to help protect vulnerable adults and patients living in health-care settings from abuse and neglect, Health Minister Theresa Oswald and Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard announced today.
The registry will help protect Manitobans by preventing individuals who abuse or neglect vulnerable people from working with them in the future, Oswald said, adding the names of individuals who have abused or neglected adults with an intellectual disability began to be placed on the registry in January, when it became operational.
“This regulatory change builds on the important work already being done by the Protection for Persons in Care Office as they investigate reports of abuse and help protect Manitobans living in health-care settings,” said Oswald.  “Reporting to the registry adds another layer of protection for adult Manitobans and empowers the PPCO to do more on their behalf.”
New regulations coming into effect on March 15 would require the province’s Protection for Persons in Care Office (PPCO) to refer cases where an individual was found to have abused or neglected a patient in a hospital or personal care home to the registry, where a committee would decide whether or not to include the name.
“The ultimate goal of this new registry is to be the first tool employers use to screen new hires and protect Manitobans in their care from potential abuse or neglect,” said Howard.  “At the same time, we are fulfilling our commitment to Manitobans living with intellectual disabilities and their families, so they can feel more comfortable with the people providing such important care and support.”
Individuals convicted of an offence against a vulnerable person are automatically placed on the registry.  Where there is no conviction, the name of an individual can also be referred to the appointed adult abuse registry committee to determine whether they should be included.  Fees for registry checks will be waived for volunteers.
For more information about the adult abuse registry, visit: www.manitoba.ca/fs/pwd/adult_abuse_registry.html.
For more information about the Protection for Persons in Care Office, visit: www.manitoba.ca/health/protection.
The definition of an individual with intellectual disabilities is set out under the Vulnerable Persons Living with a Mental Disability Act.

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