Canada’s Immigration Boost Hindered by Skills Mismatch, Causing Disheartenment among Newcomers
Moving to a new country in search of better opportunities can be a daunting task for anyone. Tanya Raizada, a 34-year-old Indian professional, experienced firsthand the challenges that many newcomers face when trying to find employment in Canada. Despite her impressive resume and over a decade of work experience, Raizada found herself struggling to secure a job in her field after immigrating to Toronto as a permanent resident.
Raizada’s story is not unique. Many immigrants who come to Canada hoping to build a better life find themselves facing a skills mismatch that hinders their chances of finding employment. According to experts, this mismatch occurs when employers undervalue foreign education and international work experience, leading to biases and assumptions about language skills.
Nita Chhinzer, a human resources management expert at the University of Guelph, explains that this discourages immigrants from feeling that their skills are valued. Sherri Rabinovitch, an HR expert in Montreal, agrees and adds that it is unfair to devalue candidates simply because they lack “Canadian experience.” Experience, she argues, is experience, regardless of where it was gained.
With immigration accounting for 90 percent of Canada’s labor force growth and 75 percent of population growth, the federal government has recognized the need to boost immigration to fill critical labor gaps and offset the country’s aging workforce. The government’s 2023-25 immigration plan aims to welcome 1.45 million new immigrants over the next three years, with a focus on skilled workers in key sectors such as health, skilled trades, manufacturing, and technology.
While this plan has been welcomed by industry experts, they argue that a more strategic and skills-based approach is needed to better integrate newcomers into the Canadian job market. Sean Strickland, executive director of Canada’s Building Trades Union, advocates for targeted approaches based on the needs of different provinces and trades. This would ensure that immigrants are matched with the right skills and opportunities.
The manufacturing sector, for example, is in need of workers across a range of skills, including general labor, engineering, maintenance, repair, automation, and robotics. Dennis Darby, president and CEO of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, highlights that there are approximately 80,000 vacancies in this sector, mostly in Ontario and Quebec. Increasing the influx of immigrants with the necessary skills will be crucial in filling these jobs.
Canada’s health-care system is also facing staffing shortages, long wait times in emergency rooms, and surgical backlogs. While recruiting internationally educated health professionals can help address these challenges, Dr. Alika Lafontaine, president of the Canadian Medical Association, emphasizes the importance of retaining the existing workforce and increasing capacity for training new health workers within Canada.
In the technology sector, there is a demand for not only IT professionals but also senior leadership and management positions. Benjamin Bergen, president of the Council of Canadian Innovators, argues that highly skilled workers with unique skill sets are often needed to fill these positions. Immigration programs that focus on specific individuals with specialized skills can help bridge these gaps and contribute to the growth of Canadian companies.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Tanya Raizada remains hopeful and determined to find a job in Canada. Currently unemployed and living in Chandigarh, India, she continues to apply for jobs in Canada with the hope of returning next year. Raizada believes that more opportunities for immigrants in senior-level positions and free training programs would greatly benefit newcomers like herself.
The issue of skills mismatch among newcomers in Canada is a complex one that requires a multi-faceted approach. By recognizing and valuing the skills and experiences that immigrants bring, providing targeted support and training programs, and fostering a more inclusive job market, Canada can fully harness the potential of its diverse immigrant population and create a thriving economy for all.
Legal Opinion: Canada’s Immigration Boost Hindered by Skills Mismatch, Causing Disheartenment among Newcomers
Introduction:
This legal opinion analyzes the issue of skills mismatch among newcomers in Canada and its impact on the country’s immigration boost. It examines the challenges faced by immigrants in finding suitable employment and the potential legal implications of undervaluing foreign education and international work experience. Additionally, it discusses the need for a more strategic and skills-based approach to integrating newcomers into the Canadian job market.
Analysis:
1. Discrimination based on foreign education and international work experience:
The skills mismatch experienced by newcomers in Canada can be attributed, in part, to employers undervaluing foreign education and international work experience. This undervaluation may lead to biases and assumptions about language skills, which discourages immigrants from feeling that their skills are valued. Such discrimination may be in violation of the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, and place of origin.
2. Unfair devaluation of candidates lacking “Canadian experience”:
The argument that candidates lacking “Canadian experience” are devalued is supported by HR expert Sherri Rabinovitch. It is important to note that experience gained outside of Canada should not be automatically disregarded. The Canadian Human Rights Act also protects against discrimination based on place of origin, and devaluing candidates solely because they lack “Canadian experience” may be considered discriminatory.
3. Government’s immigration plan and targeted approaches:
The federal government’s 2023-25 immigration plan aims to welcome 1.45 million new immigrants, with a focus on skilled workers in key sectors. While this plan is commendable, industry experts argue that a more strategic and skills-based approach is necessary. Targeted approaches based on the needs of different provinces and trades, as advocated by Sean Strickland, can ensure that immigrants are matched with the right skills and opportunities. Such targeted approaches should comply with the principles of fairness and non-discrimination.
4. Labor gaps in specific sectors:
The manufacturing sector, healthcare system, and technology sector are highlighted as facing significant labor gaps. Filling these gaps with skilled immigrants is crucial for the growth and development of these sectors. Immigration programs that focus on specific individuals with specialized skills, as suggested by Benjamin Bergen, can help bridge these gaps. However, it is important to ensure that such programs do not discriminate against other qualified candidates.
Recommendations:
1. Recognition and valuing of skills and experiences:
Employers and the Canadian job market as a whole should recognize and value the skills and experiences that immigrants bring. This can be achieved through awareness campaigns, diversity training, and the promotion of inclusive hiring practices.
2. Targeted support and training programs:
The Canadian government should invest in targeted support and training programs to help newcomers integrate into the job market. These programs should focus on providing language training, bridging programs, and mentorship opportunities to enhance the employability of immigrants.
3. Compliance with anti-discrimination laws:
Employers and policymakers should ensure compliance with anti-discrimination laws, including the Canadian Human Rights Act. Discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, and place of origin should not be tolerated in any aspect of the immigration process or job market.
Conclusion:
Addressing the issue of skills mismatch among newcomers in Canada requires a multi-faceted approach that recognizes and values immigrant skills, provides targeted support and training programs, and fosters a more inclusive job market. By doing so, Canada can fully harness the potential of its diverse immigrant population and create a thriving economy for all.