The second role is more complex. CMEC's role in providing national leadership and a strong voice in education in Canada extends to the international scene. The Centre assists individuals and organizations seeking information on how to have foreign credentials or qualifications assessed and recognized in Canada. Comparable centres exist in other countries and, together with the Canadian centre, play an important role in presenting at international fora Canada's national concerns regarding portability of educational and occupational qualifications. The Centre promotes information sharing, networking, and data gathering to facilitate the flow of information concerning postsecondary education credentials and procedures for obtaining recognition of academic and occupational credentials both in Canada and abroad.
Jurisdictions sign bilateral agreements with Ottawa in keeping with the terms of the protocol.
Under the SLBP, postsecondary students receive bursaries to enable them to take a 5-week intensive course in their second official language. In a sub-component of the program, francophone students from minority areas may receive bursaries to study in their first language.