Map of Canada, British Columica to Nova Scotia

Canada continues to bring in temporary and permanent skilled workers despite the recession, but many people are concerned that this temporary solution will hinder Canada’s economic viability in the future. 

Last year a record 193,000 temporary foreign workers received Canadian work permits to fill labour shortages, which is an increase of more than 80,000 over 2004.  However, the number of Permanent Residents coming to Canada has not changed over the years.

A study by Toronto’s Maytree Foundation claims that using temporary work permits to fill current labour demands is going to fill the short term gaps but hinder future development in Canada because resources are being used to accommodate immediate and not long term demand. 

Last year the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration changed the application process for Federal Skilled Workers, in Bill C-50 limiting it to 38 occupations that applicants must have experience in.   But maybe this limitation has its bright side. 

If they are now using those resources that were previously available for the Federal Skilled Worker – Permanent Resident category, for processing of immigration classes such as the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee applications, maybe we will see a decrease in processing times for those categories that allow temporary workers to become permanent. 

This has its advantages.  For employers, they can retain their trained international staff members.  For international workers, they have an opportunity to permanently establish themselves in Canada.  In addition to this, research shows that international workers who have a job in Canada have a much higher ability to adapt and establish a new life for themselves in Canada. 

Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Immigration processes are definitely evolving.  Finding the right balance for people in Canada, employers, and family members is a balancing act that the government regulates.   One thing is for sure, we have not seen the end of the changes to the rules, regulations and categories for immigrating to Canada.