The Canadian workforce comprises productive newcomers driving almost 50 percent of growth. However, the skills of new immigrants are not fully utilized per their potential. Statistics Canada recently released its report on the quality of education among the Canadian workforce.
Canada gained the topmost position among the G7 countries, including the U.S.A., the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, and Japan. It acquired the first rank in the context of its contribution among the working-age population who placed particular importance on university credentials or beyond it. More than 50 percent, that is, 57 percent of Canada’s workforce, consisted of post-secondary graduates. Since 2006, Canada has been leading the G7 regarding workforce credentials.
Canadian workforce and its higher education level
The strong internationally authorized post-secondary education system is the chief reason behind the increasing number of qualified workers. As a result, Canadians have taken advantage of these workers and their skills. The educational sector is powerful, and its strength is visible through its growth among Canadians. Additionally, 39.7 percent of women born in Canada and 25.7 percent of men born in Canada had at least a bachelor’s degree or beyond that. Canada witnessed consistent growth in the previous ten years. Reportedly, the growth rate of the prime-age group of men, between 25-54 years, held a degree in the previous five years. Moreover, this growth rate is equivalent to the rate for ten years.
However, there are other reasons behind Canada’s educated and qualified labor force.
Impact of immigration on the workforce
Permanent residents and newcomers with work permits are responsible for 50 percent of the growth rate among Canadian workforce members with credentials between 2016 and 2021. This applies to the 39.4 percent of people holding a Bachelor’s degree and to higher education certification holders, such as 55.8 percent of earned a Doctorate, and 52.2 percent of those with master’s degrees.
As per reports, recent immigrants turned out to be more highly qualified than anyone. This implies that at least 59.4 percent held a Bachelor’s degree or beyond. Notably, Canada is most reputed as a destination among international students specifically. Interestingly, around 620,000 were in Canada in 2021 (from the G7 countries). This figure accounts for the major source of skilled workers contributing to Canada’s labor force after graduation.
Essentially, immigrants continue to be the primary contributor to Canada’s workforce in terms of the skills, knowledge, and quality they provide to the economy.
Newcomers are the chief source of Canada’s educated and qualified workforce among all G7 countries.
Accreditation- a challenge
Over a quarter of newcomers holding a foreign degree turned out to be overqualified. This implies that they must work for a job requiring only a high school degree or something less than that. Relatively, one among ten Canadians or immigrants holding a Canadian degree was considered overqualified. Consequently, several newcomers and their potential doesn’t reach their proper utilization level. Gaining authorization for international education continues to be challenging since its incorporation in 2006.
This accreditation issue started being noticed due to higher job vacancies, labor shortages across other sectors, and several increasing numbers of retirees. Canada is in ardent need of skilled labor. Moreover, the consistent accreditation challenge gave rise to circumstances where foreign skilled workers in Canada aren’t reaching their potential. Consequently, problems like labor gaps and the inability to address high demand in the healthcare sector are increasing.
However, IRCC has taken the call to address this ongoing problem by investing $90 million for funding purposes. This measure will ensure streamlining the accreditation problem among medical professionals with international training. Additionally, they will be able to work and gain Canadian work experience. Canada even took the initiative of removing barriers under Express Entry programs for Physicians.
