03 September 2007

Canada is in a 'war of talent' to attract skilled immigration

Canadian business leaders and academics have told Finance Minister Jim Flaherty how important it is for the Canadian economy to attract and retain skilled workers to take up Canadian immigration. At an invitation-only forum near Ottawa last week, attendees called for a fresh approach to immigration in order to avoid the current labour shortage problem becoming even worse, reports the Canadian Press.

Isabelle Hudon, president and chief executive officer of the Montreal Board of Trade told Flaherty that Canada is facing a shift in how businesses attract workers, requiring a more strategic approach to immigration. "Immigration brings innovation. It brings new ways of doing things, new ideas. I do strongly believe that we are in a war of talent, and we have to win it. In Canada, in Quebec and in Montreal," she said.

Another delegate urged the finance minister to increase the effectiveness of programmes to speed up the recognition of foreign education qualifications as the equivalent in Canada. A Foreign Credentials Referral Office was established as part of the last budget. People interested in Canadian immigration can also have their credentials assessed by private and provincial agencies as well as the federal government.

Canada needs 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.