Posted on April 28, 2009

Labour Shortage Forces Canadian Immigration to Keep Borders Open

Gareth McConnell, Global Visas (London), April 24, 2009

“Canada is facing a long-term labour shortage so the government is not going to turn off the immigration tap,” this the message from Canadian immigration minister Jason Kenney.

Following a lengthy review and consultation of Canada’s economy and employment levels throughout the country, the number of Canadian visas being made available to people who want to move to Canada in 2009 will remain at a staggering 250,000.

There was debate earlier in the year when the global recession began to take a hold.

“We don’t want people coming to Canada and facing unemployment. We need to be sensitive to the changing labour market, and if we need to make modifications, we will,” Minister Kenney explained at the time.

Meetings with provincial counterparts at the end of March proved there are thousands of opportunities still begging to be filled by immigrants wanting to work in Canada.

“Minister Kenney has determined that the need for immigration to Canada remains strong. Immigration numbers for 2009 will therefore remain at 250,000,” a Canadian immigration official stated.

The need to continue issuing so many Canadian work visas is a result of the developing economy and aging workers retiring. British Columbia and Alberta alone are going to need an additional 600,000 foreign workers over the next five years.

Canadian immigration remains one of the most rewarding in the world. After only three years working in Canada the visa holder is eligble to begin applying for citizenship.