Canada Immigration Issues May Impact the Upcoming Federal Government Election

Canada immigration may be a major factor in the country’s upcoming federal government election scheduled for Monday October 21, 2019. National policy has been changing to encourage immigration. For example, the government of Ontario created an immigration pilot initiative to attract highly skilled immigrants. As a result, these immigrants are encouraged to locate to smaller cities and towns throughout the Ontario Province. Also, while immigrants currently comprise about 20% of the Canadian population, the nation’s Immigration Plan seeks to add over 1 million immigrants by the end of 2021.

Why is Canada Seeking to Add Immigrants?

Canada seeks to add immigrants for several reasons, including:

• Canada immigration results in significant and measurable contributions to the nation
• Over the next several years the ratio of working people to retired will decline:
  • Current ratio working/retired: 4 to 1
  • Future ratio working/retired: 2.5 to 1
• The declining working population will impair the nation’s ability to fund social programs
• Future economic growth depends on welcoming and integrating immigrants

Toronto has achieved a “Tech Talent Rank” of #3 in the top fifty U.S. and Canadian cities for tech workers. Part of this achievement is due to job growth, and part is due to an increasing supply of talent. Toronto’s tech market has benefited from Canada’s Global Talent Stream. The Global Talent Stream is part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, which helps companies grow by ensuring a ready pool of skilled and qualified workers.

What are the Challenges with Canada Immigration?

Canada’s current government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party has instituted several pro-immigration policies. However, there has been a dramatic increase in Canada immigration and asylum seekers following the Trump Administration’s election in the United States. Several thousand asylum seekers have illegally crossed into Canada, with several seeking refugee status. Challenges include provisions for housing, severely delayed entry timetables, and expanding populations of job seekers in cities such as Quebec and Toronto.

Diverging opinions on the issues have arisen from other political parties. Some of these political parties support alternative policy approaches such as:

1. The Green Party opposes Liberal efforts to close asylum loopholes
2. The Conservative Party has questioned the legitimacy of many asylum seekers
3. The New Democratic Party seeks to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement with the US so asylum seekers go through authorized ports of entry

What Should Employers do About Canada Immigration Issues?

Companies currently in Canada should continue to stay informed about the various immigration policies that political parties support. Representatives of Canada’s business community have requested the political parties tone down their rhetoric on immigration issues. Many of Canada’s businesses need immigrant workers to grow and expand, especially at times of low unemployment. Several organizations have publicly noted their support for increased Canada immigration.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to grow their company’s international employment. Our team can also help your company understand how to respond to current policies and potential changes to Canada immigration.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

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Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s interest in learning more about Canada immigration issues, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.