Canada / Talent War / Skilled immigrants: They’re not lining up anymore

If you’re an engineer in China or Brazil, you have a good life. Why come and freeze in Canada, right?

It’s a truism that Canada is a nation of immigrants, but in the years ahead, demographics — an aging population and low birthrate — and changing employment patterns, with increased demand for specific skills, indicate the role of immigrants in the Canadian economy will only grow.

Currently, the country welcomes 250,000 newcomers each year, and by 2030, Statistics Canada forecasts that 80% of all labour market growth will depend upon immigrants. Attracting and retaining the right immigrants, and helping them realize their full potential as Canadians, is increasingly crucial to prosperity and economic growth.

“Enhancing human capital in any economy, especially in a small, open economy like Canada, requires immigration,” says Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist for CIBC. “Having said that, there’s a gap between theory and practice in Canada. We’re not fully utilizing the human capital we can access.”…

Choosen excerpts by JMM from

via Skilled immigrants: Policy must respond to need for skilled workers | Productive Conversations | Financial Post.