An article in the FT today states that in Canada “Declining birthrates are not keeping pace with the demands of the growing economy.” This will mean that all net labor growth in Canada will be attributed to immigrants in 2011.
With this in mind it is no wonder that Jason Kenny, Canadian minister for immigration, announced this week new laws to improve the welfare of temporary foreign workers and less restrictions on Canadian work visas.

Canada’s thirst for foreign workers is unlikely to be quenched as the economy in Canada rides out the recession and continues to grow. It is worth noting as well that during the recession demand for Canadian work visas has not wavered and remained constant.

Taken the need for foreign workers Canada is turning into one of the most cosmopolitan and multi-cultured countries in the west. Although not spread equally across the country, ethnic diversity in the built up areas remains the bigger picture. Canada’s population is made up of 19.8% of its residents having been born outside of the country, compared to the US with 13% and the UK with 10.1% in a 2006 survey.
In Toronto more than half of its 2.5million residents were born outside of Canada, with 150,000 arriving every year.

Canada’s approach to immigration is positive and one feels necessary for the economy. Due to asylum claims, visitors from the Czech Republic and Mexico now need to conform to new visa requirements, so while Canadian immigration are willing to accept new workers, often on temporary working visas, the country’s approach to new permanent citizens is a little blurred.