Mining industry sector recruits for Canadian immigration

The Canadian government is working hard to address the current and future shortage of skilled workers in the mining industry, including promoting Canadian immigration, according to the minister of human resources and social development.

Monte Solberg was speaking at the launch of the Human Resources Forum for the Canadian mining industry.

"The economy is firing on all cylinders and our unemployment is at a 33-year low. But with this abundance comes many challenges - the most significant of which is a labour and skills shortage across the country. With a projected shortage of 80,000 workers in [the mining] sector over the next ten years, we know that having enough skilled workers is a serious problem."

The minister explained that the government has committed over $2.5 million (£1.2 million) to the Mining Industry Human Resources Council "to strengthen its ability to address long-term human resource issues".

He noted that helping the mining industry find new skilled workers from among the many new immigrants with Canadian visas is a priority.

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.