Canada needs more permanent immigrants
October 27 2008 by Bryan Palmer
Immigration levels in Canada need a significant boost, according to the findings of a recent study by the Conference Board of Canada.
The report recommended that Canada increase its annual permanent residency intake from the current 250,000 to 360,000 by 2025 in order to compete with other countries in attracting skilled workers.
In 2007, Canada took in 475,965 immigrants. However, over 50 percent
were temporary workers and foreign students.
Douglas Watt, Associate
Director, Organizational Effectiveness and Learning for the Board, agreed that
Canada's future economic health depends upon attracting skilled migrants to
settle in the country on a permanent basis:
"Canada's permanent and temporary
immigration systems are changing to better address the needs of business,
provinces and migrants themselves," he said.
"These changes are positive
steps, but more needs to be done. Canada is competing with other countries for
top international talent and a willingness to adjust programs and policies is
the hallmark of successful immigration systems."
In 2006 temporary
foreign workers, in Canada, outnumbered permanent residents admitted through
skilled immigration schemes.
The study concluded that more options for temporary foreign workers to obtain permanent Canadian visas should be introduced if the country's long-term labour market was to thrive.
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