Canadian Provinces Ask the Immigration Minister to Select more Immigrants
Ministers from Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba want more control over the number of immigrants allowed under their provincial programs. Moreover, they sent a letter to their federal counterpart calling for change.
“We need the ability to respond to the rapidly evolving needs of specific areas and communities, with a flexible system that we can adapt to changing economic and humanitarian needs,” the letter states.
Data shows that Canada’s job vacancies climbed to 957,500 in the first quarter of 2022. This is the highest quarterly number on record. However, with job vacancies in the first quarter of 2022 72.3% higher than in the first quarter of 2020, high levels of immigration are even more critical to the Canadian labour market.
The letter also says provinces know their local economies best, and can choose newcomers to Canada who have “the greatest chance of success.” It continued, “We are facing a global race for talent as people all around the world search for a better place to build a life for themselves and their families.”
<<Also Read: Canada has a record high of 1 million job vacancies>>
A look back at Ontario immigration
In 2021, Ontario received 8,350 allocations, plus an additional 250 nominations for temporary foreign workers in intermediate skilled occupations. This means NOC Skill Level C.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of job vacancies in Ontario increased significantly in 2021. Consequently, in November of 2021, Labour Minister Monte McNaughton asked for an increase in the number of skilled workers allowed into Ontario under the program. Ontario also wanted to have more control over the number of immigrants allowed under the OINP, as well as the process of selecting them. Furthermore, before the end of that year (2021), Ontario got an additional 400 nominations.
As of April 2022, there were more than 300,000 jobs in Ontario going unfilled. However, on June 28, 2022, the OINP received only 9,750 allocations for this year.
The amounts that Ontario keeps receiving are not enough to cover the province’s labour shortage.
About Immigration under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Most provinces and territories have special immigration programs to attract population, skills, and money to their provinces. Provincial Nominee Program or PNP is the common phrase referring to these programs. PNP mostly looks for skilled workers from all different backgrounds that have experience as well as education at a college or university. The Provincial Nominee Program also targets investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed persons, who can bring new innovations to Canada.
Please visit the following article to know more about this program: Immigration under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to Canada. To explore immigration options in Canada in 2022, please read the following article:
Canada to welcome almost 432,000 newcomers
Canada is targeting high levels of newcomers to support its population, labour force, and economic growth. This year, Canada will welcome 431,645 new immigrants in the following categories:
- Economic: 241,850
- Family: 105,000
- Refugees and Protected Persons: 76,545
- Humanitarian and Other: 8,250
During an interview, the Minister of Immigration said his department is ahead of schedule, despite the pandemic and unexpected pressures. According to the Minister, in June they resettled the 200,000th permanent resident. “More than a month and a half ahead of any year on record in Canada,” he said.
Let us Help
If you are interested in applying to a Provincial Nominee Program, please fill out the following form. However, if the question is case-specific, we’ll advise you to book a consultation session. You may alternatively fill out our assessment form.
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