Canada to build new immigration system to benefit country

According to Canada’s immigration minister Jason Kenney, the country’s immigration system is to be overhauled to make it easier to attract migrants eager to contribute to its development.

Admitting that the country had been closed to skilled workers for too long, Kenney announced the first in line for immigration breaks would be experienced tradespeople through the new Skilled Trades Programme. Due to kick off in January next year, the programme will be the first of changes aimed at a fast, flexible immigration route designed to benefit Canada’s economy.

Criteria for applicants will focus on the needs of SMEs across the country rather than large companies sited around the big cities. Smaller industrial and construction companies have experienced skills shortages for a number of years, partly due to being sited in unpopular locations, and it’s hoped that the new programme will result in such jobs being filled.

The number of eligible occupations on the skills list has been considerably expanded, with a full list of trades to be published at the beginning of the year. Kenney stated that the programme is designed to complement the existing Provincial Nominee and Canadian Experience Class programmes already in place, with the difference that processing will be more seamless and faster.

Applicants will need either a ‘readiness to work’ certificate from a territory or province or an actual offer of employment from a Canadian company. Two years’ experience in a listed trade, a basic command of English and skills or experience which match up with the National Occupational Classification’s requirements will also be necessary.

Up to 3,000 tradespeople, including electricians, heavy equipment mechanics, pipefitters, plumbers, skilled construction workers and other trades, will be admitted during 2013, with the numbers expected to increase during the following two years. The move is expected to increase productivity and prosperity in the country.