McCallum Insists No Conclusive Decisions Have Been Made on Immigration Reforms
Canada’s immigration minister says conclusions are still being made on exactly what changes will be made to the system following a root and branch review.
John McCallum is preparing to overhaul the immigration system and he has been dropping some big hints as to exactly which programs and which classes of immigrant he will be gearing the overhaul towards.
McCallum has been touring the country asking for feedback from key stakeholders on exactly what they want to see happen in terms of immigration.
At his latest round table meeting in Edmonton, he point to a general feeling that people wanted to see more immigration, linking it to economic prosperity.
“Most of the people we have consulted are in favour of higher levels of immigration, often citing demographic factors and aging population,” McCallum said.
“What I hear around the table is the feeling that we have space for more immigrants, we are a big country, and we are an aging country. But we as a government have not come to any conclusion yet.”
One of the key areas McCallum is looking to make changes is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The steps to a Canadian TFWP visa (Each step is fully explained here)
- Determine if you require a work permit to work in your desired job in Canada
- Determine if you are eligible to apply for a Canadian temporary work permit
- Determine if you will apply online or on paper
- Obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your potential employer, if required
- Obtain a temporary job offer from your potential employer
- Gather required documents and forms
- Pay fees
- Submit application
The minister believes the previous Conservative government went too far with imposing restrictions following some flagrant abuse of the program by major companies.
As a result, businesses with genuine need for workers – including the meat and fish processing trades – were left running at less than full capacity with no-one to fill vacancies.
Now McCallum says he wants to find the ‘middle ground’ between the Conservative restrictions and a program that fulfills labour force demands.
McCallum needs to be very careful if, as he says, a pathway to permanent residency under TFWP is being considered.
This suggestion appears short-sighted.
Migrant workers and Canadians alike must be protected against exploitation by employers. However, low-skilled foreign workers who choose to apply to work in Canada must do so knowing that their relocation has a finite term and they will be required to leave afterwards.
For the few who are able to transition to permanent residence under provincial nomination programs, are able to improve their qualifications and meet existing pathways under permanent residence streams.
Those who cannot must look to other destinations beyond Canada.
Interested employers: Kindly contact us here to receive further information.
Interested candidates: Find out whether you qualify to Canada by completing our free on-line evaluation. We will provide you with our evaluation within 1-2 business days.
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