On qualifications and participation

who are they for?

We were on our way home from dinner. Dinner included multiple glasses of wine. As reasonable humans, we called for a taxi.

Our driver was Syrian. We learned that he was a father. He, his wife and four children were grateful to be in Canada. They arrived four years ago. Upon arrival, he found a job driving a taxi. “My family are safe, warm and fed. What more can I ask for?”

I could tell by the way he said it that there was something else. Fearlessly, I plunged in: “What more could you ask for?”

Back in Syria he was a dentist. He explained: “I had money, skills, a career and respect. That’s all gone. Just like my home.”

I wasn’t surprised. I have had a great many highly overqualified people drive me around during my time in Toronto.

He explained that there is a way for dentists trained in other countries to bring their qualifications here. It requires passing a test.

“I tried to take it. Four times I tried. Each time I failed. The test is very difficult. They ask about things you would only…