Read about updates and major milestones in public policy on immigrant employment in Canada.
Government of Canada launches 2011 national consultations on immigration levels and mix
The purpose of the consultations is to seek feedback on immigration levels, including the appropriate level of immigration for Canada, and the most suitable mix between economic, family class and protected persons. Discussions on system management to provide improved services, such as reasonable processing times, will also be included. Learn more.
Check triec.ca or twitter.com/triec for the latest on the consultations.
> Globe and Mail opinion piece: More immigrants are in Canada’s national interest. Read more.
> OCASI’s Debbie Douglas advocates for nation-building and integration interventions on Business News Network. Watch the clip.
TRIEC urges the Government of Canada to make mandatory the completion of the census long form.
Key Trends and Changes in Immigration Policy
A short summary of policy trends that may have significant impact on Canadian immigration, including Bill C-50, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Provincial Nominee Program. Prepared by TRIEC. > Read more (pdf)
Government of Canada releases : ”Action Plan for Faster Immigration”
Released on December 1, 2008, this document includes Ministerial instructions outlining a set of eligibility criteria that apply to all new federal skilled worker applications received on or after February 27, 2008, and specifies a list of 38 occupations which the Government believes are required to meet Canada’s labour market needs.
> News release
> Backgrounder
> List of occupations
2009 Provincial pre-budget consultations
On November 21, 2008, TRIEC attended the 2009 Provincial Pre-budget consultations. TRIEC emphasized the need for continued investment in programs that effectively link skilled immigrants with employers, as part of a long-term economic strategy for Ontario.
TRIEC Partners with TIEDI
The Toronto Immigrant Employment Data Initiative (TIEDI) is an innovative project based at York University that seeks to assist community organizations in accessing data and analysis on immigrant labour market integration. TIEDI aims to help organizations access the quantitative data they need in order to: identify priorities, develop programs and services, compose proposals and reports, and carry out advocacy and public education endeavours. On October 18, 2008, TRIEC presented at the TIEDI Exchange Forum.
Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA)
Ontario signed a LMDA with the federal government in November 2005. Under this agreement, the Province assumed responsibility as of January 2007 for designing and delivering employment programs and services for unemployed people eligible under the Employment Insurance (EI) program. The Government of Canada committed $1.95 billion annually to support programs and services intended to help people prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.
Labour Market Agreement (LMA)
Ontario signed an LMA with the federal government in February 2008. The agreement is worth approximately $1.2 billion over six years and aims to support skills development for a number of people not otherwise eligible for training.
The new agreement with Ontario comes into effect on April 1, 2008 with initial investment of about $194 million in 2008-2009. It complements the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) signed between the governments of Canada and Ontario in 2005.
Funding will provide more resources for unemployed individuals who are not eligible for training from Employment Insurance (EI) and for employed individuals who have low levels of skills or who are working in low-skill jobs. The funding will include Aboriginal people, immigrants, persons with disabilities, as well as those workers who lack literacy and essential skills.
Ontario will direct the new investment to the four priority areas:
- Technical skills training – Develop occupationally specific training that supports labour market attachment, bridges skills gaps to grow Ontario’s labour supply, addresses cost as a barrier to skills training for non-EI eligible Ontarians, and helps meet the demand for skilled tradespersons;
- Labour market integration of immigrants – Create opportunities with focused bridge training projects, financial support, and credential assessment, and increase opportunities to obtain Canadian work experience through mentoring, coaching and other supports for work experience;
- Foundation skills training and supports – Improve access to literacy and essential skills training; and
- Labour market supports for persons with disabilities – Remove barriers to participation by providing sign language interpreters, alternate formats, and attendant care, and increase availability of employer incentives to train on the job, including accommodations and enhancements in the workplace.
