Sectors in demand for manpower and shortage of qualified professionals … The federal government plans to create solutions by reforming the immigration system, including the professional and skilled workers program. Details for explanation.
Based on labour market conditions and the workforce needs of Canadian companies, the federal government wants to rebalance supply and demand. Up until now, the program that answered this problem was the temporary work permit. However, in the mining, petroleum and construction industries, for example, which have recently experienced strong growth, the graduates and seasoned professionals that are sought for are for permanent skilled positions. The reform planned would allow entry of this anticipated workforce and would also create a pool of candidates which can easily integrate into the labour market.
More flexible admission criteria
Conditions of access to the skilled and professional workers program should be eased. Among the changes planned are rapid recognition of qualifications and skills acquired abroad and less stringent language requirements. Until recently, immigration candidates were asked to speak French or English fluently. Now, the level of proficiency required in at least one of the two languages will be lower.
Thousands of candidates expected
Jason Kenney, the Minister of Immigration, foresees that the new immigration system will attract several thousand skilled workers. He hopes that this figure will gradually increase to several tens of thousands if Canadian employers express the need. The program is expected to begin later this year.