Ontario calls for Canadian immigration boost

The provincial government of Ontario has said it needs almost 140,000 new migrants each year to maintain its economic progress and has called on the federal government to allow Canadian immigration policy to reflect that.

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Ontario is Canada's most populous province and claims it needs higher rates of Canadian immigration to sustain its workforce.

Ontario is the most populous Canadian province and is home to both the largest city Toronto and the capital Ottawa. The provincial government therefore feels Canadian immigration policy needs to reflect those factors.

Current Canadian visa and immigration policy does allow provinces to exert control over immigration policy; effectively selecting those immigrants with skills in demand in each province.

However, the government appointed panel in Ontario says declining immigration rates into the province demand more drastic measures. Less than 100,000 new immigrants moved to Ontario last year and the report claims the province will be short 364,000 workers by 2025 unless changes are made.

"A natural decline in the relative size of Ontario's working age population - due primarily to aging and low fertility rates - will put pressure on public finances as fewer workers support more retired Ontarians," reads the report.

"Without any further immigration to Ontario, it is anticipated the working-age population will begin to decline by 2014."

The report outlines a blueprint immigration strategy for the province which includes raising the annual immigrant intake to 135,000, eliminating the priority occupation list and promoting Ontario as a liveable destination.

The report will be presented to provincial Immigration Minister Charles Sousa for his consideration.

The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people make their application to the Canadian Embassy.