NAFTA

This contribution refers to a few questions last week about
problems/issues with NAFTA, and is a response from AIC.

For the past two years, the AIC Education and Training Committee has
been working on the establishment of standards for equivalent
professional training of conservators in Canada, Mexico, and the
U.S..  This is the first step in obtaining approval by the NAFTA
administration for inclusion on the list of recognized professionals
who may apply for the less restrictive visas and work permits.
Before this can occur, conservators from all three NAFTA countries
must agree to a single criteria that defines the conservation
professional.  While other professions listed use licensing, degree
or certification as their criteria, the lack of a universally
accepted standard for conservation continues to be an impediment.
Current efforts between the AIC and sister organizations in Canada
and Mexico are addressing this issue and working toward a minimum
standard that will enable conservators to take advantage of
cross-border employment.

Jay Krueger
President, AIC

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:6
                 Distributed: Wednesday, June 24, 1998
                        Message Id: cdl-12-6-004
                                  ***