Toronto, ON (December 2, 2020) – Earlier this week, Canada’s finance minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled the federal government’s annual fall fiscal update. TRIEC welcomes the report’s reiteration that immigration is a key component of the government’s plan to drive economic growth and job creation.
It is promising that the government sees recently announced higher immigration levels as a critical part of Canada’s economic recovery from the pandemic. We’re also pleased to see $15 million proposed in new funding to expand the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, which will support 15,000 immigrant professionals overcome barriers within in-demand sectors. Immigrants’ ability to transition their career to Canada as quickly and seamlessly as possible is essential to ensure they can fully contribute to the labour market and the wider economy.
As the statement notes, immigrants play a significant role in Canada’s economy as they “[contributed] to half of the average real GDP growth over 2016-2019”. But newcomers have also been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and the ongoing travel restrictions have considerably limited the number of permanent residents and temporary residents arriving in the country. We must continue to recognize how immigrants have been impacted by COVID, and their importance as we move in the direction of recovery and long-term prosperity.
TRIEC remains committed to working with the federal government to see that immigrants are given the chance to fulfill their full potential in the Greater Toronto Area labour market.
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MEDIA CONTACT
For additional information, please contact:
Daniel Kim, Specialist, Media and Public Affairs
dkim@triec.ca
416-931-5803
About TRIEC
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) champions the talent and experience that immigrants bring to the Greater Toronto Area. We support organizations to become more inclusive, and help newcomers expand their professional networks and understand the local labour market. We collaborate with leaders and organizations to build a GTA where immigrant professionals can contribute to their fullest potential.
