15 April 2008

Canadian immigration changes get backing from business leaders

The British Columbia (BC) Chamber of Commerce has backed the proposed changes to the Canadian immigration rules, saying they will help with the skills shortages hitting the area. The proposed changes to the system are designed to make it easier and faster for much needed skilled workers to move to Canada.

John Winter, president and chief executive officer of the BC Chamber of Commerce, said: "Our members will be delighted. Under these changes, Citizenship and Immigration Canada would finally be afforded the flexibility it needs to begin prioritising applications based on Canada's urgent need for skilled workers - a move which is essential to the country's economy." He added that by 2012, 100 per cent of net growth in the labour force will come through Canadian immigration and that "isn't a figure which is easy to ignore". The BC Chamber of Commerce exists to promote and improve trade, commerce and the economic and social welfare being of the people of British Columbia.

Canada welcomes new 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.