According to an article from Policy Options, a digital magazine of the Institute for Research on Public Policy, Canada is competing to attract and retain the best global talent as numbers jump post-pandemic.
The World Economic Forum projects that approximately 4 per cent of the world’s population will move across borders by 2030, resulting in more global talent mobility than ever.
Skilled workers target countries where their skills are needed and where they can enjoy a better quality of life for themselves and their families.
At the same time, developed countries are looking to attract talent due to low population growth and the need for robust economies.
According to Global Consulting Group, World Bank figures show that 23 percent of the 3.55 billion global active labour force is looking for work abroad – this translates to 800 million professionals.
Read More
Canada Announces New Parents and Grandparents Program Invitations
IRCC Improves Immigration Application Processing Time Tool
Canadian Employers Increased Reliance on Temporary Foreign Workers in 2023
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) 2023 Indicators of Talent Attractiveness report shows that the quality of job opportunities topped the list of 10 reasons why people choose a destination.
The second is quality of life, while health, innovation and digitization, and visa and work permit process were the last three.
Countries are looking for the potential contribution of very high-achieving individuals among the skilled, globally mobile population – top scientists, engineers, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
The race is on as countries vie to attract professionals. According to a BCG analysis chart, Australia was the top choice in 2023, rising from seventh place in 2014. France, in contrast, dropped from the sixth spot in 2014 to ninth in 2023.
Canada has consistently had a strong showing, remaining among the top three between 2014 and 2023. The country rose from third in 2014 to 2018 and reached the top in 2020 before dropping to third place in 2023 behind Australia and the UK. But it remains ahead of Germany and France.
Canada’s consistent strong showing reflects its popularity as a destination for skilled workers worldwide due to its strong economy, high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and welcoming immigration policies.
Other key reasons why skilled workers migrate to Canada:
Express Entry System
The point system provides a path to permanent residence for skilled workers, with six months or less processing time. The Comprehensive Ranking System assesses and scores elements of an applicant’s profile.
Applications for permanent residence are under three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Job Opportunities
Canada’s growing economy requires skilled workers in various sectors, such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance. Skilled workers often migrate to Canada for better job opportunities and higher salaries.
Th The Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) measures policies to integrate migrants in countries across six continents. Canada’s comprehensive approach scores 80 on the MIPEX 100-point scale, above the MIPEX average of 49.
It says permanent residents, families, and some temporary workers enjoy better opportunities to progress into stable quality employment than most global destinations.
According to the Government of Canada website, Canada issued more than 1,075,000 work permits and extensions in 2022.
Quality of Life
Factors such as safety, education, healthcare, and social services keep Canada’s quality of life consistently high globally. Skilled workers are attracted to Canada for its high standard of living and excellent healthcare services. Other attractive factors are safety, political stability, and individual freedom.
Multicultural Society
Canada was the first country in the world to adopt a multiculturalism policy, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2021. Canada is known for its cultural diversity and inclusive society. Skilled workers from different backgrounds feel welcomed by members of their respective communities and society, making it an attractive destination for migration.
Family-Friendly Policies
Various immigration programs allow skilled workers to bring their families and dependents to Canada. Family reunification is an essential aspect of Canada’s immigration policy. The system has been streamlined to make the process easier.
According to the Government of Canada website, since July 2022, new spousal sponsorship applicants, for example, can expect their applications to be processed within the service standard of 12 months (for 80 percent of cases, for non-Quebec applications).
“Family reunification through immigration is not only a matter of compassion but a fundamental pillar of Canadian society. Canada is helping newcomers achieve their true potential while strengthening Canada’s economy and social fabric,” said Sean Fraser, former Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
Education System
Canada has world-class universities and colleges, making it an attractive destination for skilled workers who want to further their education or enroll their children in quality schools.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents benefit from a free public school system funded by the government. The high standard of education is a right of all Canadian residents and placed among the top five in the U.S. News 2023 Best Countries for Education rankings.
MIPEX gives Canada a score of 86 for its well-developed multicultural education and equity policies, which help all types of children achieve and feel safe and at home at school.
Watch Video
Pathway to Citizenship
Permanent residents who meet some residency requirements are offered a path to citizenship. Skilled workers see Canada as a place to build a long-term future for themselves and their families.
In an April 2024 article, Canada must be more audacious with efforts to attract global talent, Creso Sa, a professor of science policy, higher education and innovation, and vice-dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, said perceptions about Canada having too many immigrants was a concern.
He said since the country is competing for global talent in a world where more countries are looking to attract skilled immigrants to boost their economies, “Canada cannot afford to let slip its attractiveness to highly skilled migrants.”
Other popular countries where skilled workers migrate include Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. However, Canada’s immigration policies and quality of life often make it a top choice for skilled workers seeking new opportunities abroad. With a comprehensive approach to guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities for newcomers and citizens, Canada leads other destinations with its more favourable
