03 April 2008

Ontario skills shortage raises Canadian immigration question

With Canada's 'baby boomer' generation approaching retirement age, new questions are being raised in Ontario regarding the major skills shortage that employers are facing. The central Canadian province is facing a shortage of 560,000 workers by the year 2030. The industries set to be hit hardest by the shortage are the forestry and manufacturing sectors, Canada immigration has been touted as a possible solution to the problem.

Terry Mundell, president of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, told Ontario newspaper The Meaford Express: "The skills shortage is already hurting sectors like tourism, construction ad information technology. It's vital that business, labour, education and government come together to find solutions before the problem intensifies." By 2025, 360,000 skilled workers will be needed in the area, a figure which could be helped by an increase in Canadian immigration.

This news comes on the back of greater efforts made by the Canadian government to ensure that Canadian communities welcome newcomers, cementing the country’s status as a nation full of positive potential for skilled migrants.

Canada welcomes skilled immigrants: The Canadian Visa Bureau can assist skilled workers interested in Canadian immigration. More information on Canadian visas is available on the website. Anyone applying for a Canadian visa should begin by completing the online Canadian visa application to see if they meet the legislative requirements.