As per a Ryerson University policy brief, Canada needs to do more to keep lower-skilled new immigrants in the country. Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration published the report.
The CERC is a project that assists Canadian educational institutions by providing up to $10 million in funding to world-renowned scholars to start research initiatives. Ryerson University has been awarded the CERC in Migration and Integration, which is the first one for the institution.
Annually, Canada receives about 350,000 new immigrants. Roughly two-thirds of them had previously lived in the country temporarily. Despite the outbreak, the government is committed to a significant influx of newcomers.
Every year, over 600,000 new immigrants arrive in Canada. Temporary residents working in so-called “low-skilled” industries have limited chances of relocating permanently. The majority of people who become permanent residents, on the other hand, work in “highly skilled” professions.
The COVID-19 outbreak has drawn recognition to the economic significance of low-skilled labour. Local supermarket clerks, hospital cleaners, and farm labourers were among the jobs taken by these labourers.
Lower-skilled job need is likely to expand as a result of growing labour demand during the next decade, though at a slower rate than high-skilled job need.
In the next ten years, industries such as daycare, family support services, commercial transit, food services, and construction activities are expected to increase. As the boomer generation retires, Canada’s ageing population will boost growth for care and services.
This rise in the need for lower-skill employment could be related to a hesitation among Canadian-born individuals to fill these roles. Because of the great demand, many high-skilled citizens are required to take lower-skilled occupations.
What are immigration policies now aimed at low-skilled workers?
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) encourages a number of employees with low skills to appeal for PR in the province on a regular basis. This is done through the categories of Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Workers.
In Ontario, the In-Demand Skills Stream offers some employees in high-demand occupations a path to permanent residency.
An additional option for low-skilled employees who want to move to one of Canada’s Atlantic regions is the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.
Furthermore, the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot offers PR to 2,750 individuals in the agricultural and agro-businesses.
Small-scale streams aimed at low-skilled individuals are a prevalent feature of these programmes.
As a result, the policy brief recommends that the two-step immigration system be expanded to include lower-skilled immigrants.
Those who come to Canada temporarily and then become PR are referred to as two-step immigrants.
Six additional immigration programs for temporary foreign employees, including health-care professionals, other vital workers, international students, and French-speaking labourers and grads, were recently announced by Canada.
Despite the fact that these new programs are just temporary, the policy brief characterizes them as a positive step forward.
Lower-skilled employees in Canada should have more choices.
According to the policy brief, the country should provide a continuous route to PR for lower-skilled temp employees that accepts a substantial number of candidates.
It is also suggested that Canada allot around 10% and 20% of economic class applications to lower-skilled employees and that suitable temporary workers be invited to seek PR.
Furthermore, the country is advised to implement new regulations to protect immigrant labourers from wage cuts.
In addition, Canada should spend in settling assistance for temp foreign employees who are eligible for PR.
Lastly, Canada is advised to explain to the Canadian public the financial impact of low-skilled employees in order to address any worries or bashing attitudes that may occur as a result of this.
