Even though the Coronavirus pandemic has had negative effects everywhere, Canada currently has the lowest unemployment rate. Because of the significant demographic changes that occurred in the workforce prior to the pandemic, experts claim there was never any doubt that Canada’s labour market would recover. For decades, these changes are anticipated to have a positive impact on the Canadian workforce.
Every now and then, all economies experience a recession. The policy provisions for immigrants in the labour market worry experts. The possibility that immigrants’ labour market productivity would decline during a recession is becoming a growing source of worry. Additionally, immigrants might never have a chance to recover from the recession, meaning they would have to accept the result for the rest of their careers.
Immigrants shouldn’t be alarmed because experts think the current recession is unique. The futures of immigrants who have recently entered the workforce or who are in the process of obtaining their first Canadian job can be secured. Let’s examine a few labour market practises that are helping immigrants succeed.
There are more retirees.
The baby boomer generation is almost ready to retire and leave the workforce. Due to the vacancies created by this massive exodus, Canada now has historically low unemployment rates. Twenty million people are employed in the Canadian labour market, according to statistics. These nine million workers are primarily baby boomers. Before the end of the decade, according to government projections, baby boomers will have reached retirement age.
Previously, the Canadian government would rely on income graduates to enter the labour force and take the place of the ageing baby boomers. Due to the low birth rate in the nation, the government is being forced to recruit talent from abroad. For the Canadian government, replacing the baby boomers is crucial because they require a sizable workforce to maintain tax revenue. The government is able to afford quality infrastructure, healthcare, and education for Canadian citizens because of taxes.
Due to the large number of senior citizens living there, Canada needs a strong healthcare system. Simply put, the large number of elderly citizens in Canada will cause the healthcare system to start spending more money than usual.
In addition to using immigrants to fill jobs, Canada has also turned to underrepresented groups like women, people with disabilities, and indigenous people. Additionally, the government has expressed an interest in assisting disengaged youth.
Prior to the pandemic, Canada relied on immigration to restock its labour force; this practise is anticipated to become the new standard. The knowledge and skills that people take with them as they leave the labour market are a further source of worry. The years of experience they have accumulated over the years cannot be replaced. The integration of new talent and skills through talent is the only way to close the knowledge gap.
The more difficult selection procedure
The new immigration laws are more competitive for skilled workers who wish to immigrate. The number of applicants who are accepted into the Canadian labour force is extremely small. As of right now, the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System demands that applicants speak English and French fluently, have work experience, and have a strong educational foundation. Additionally, candidates with Canadian work or educational backgrounds receive higher CRS scores than those without. They have set the bar high, and it is very difficult to find young, educated professionals with work experience.
More choices for immigrants from within the country
The last thing Canada wanted to do was to continue accepting immigrant workers and run the risk of raising infection rates as the pandemic spread rapidly throughout the world and left a significant death toll. The Canadian government began issuing citizenship to immigrants who were in the nation on a temporary work visa in order to control the situation. This practise is still being used today and has shown to be advantageous in many different ways.
The government is spending money on settling new immigrants
Undoubtedly, moving to a new country and changing your environment can be stressful. Most people would feel uncomfortable when pressure to perform at your best is added. To enhance the experience of immigrants, the Canadian government has invested in immigration settlement services. Immigrant workers are now able to receive job- and language-related training to help them integrate into their new environment. The Canadian government invested a cool two billion dollars in the project, in case you were curious. When compared to a few years ago, when the immigration settlement programme received only $350 million, this represents a significant improvement.
The best part is that these services are ready to use when the workers arrive and do not require them to wait for integration training. Some workers can receive the training before departing for Canada, ensuring that they are proficient before moving here.
Summary
With these factors in mind, immigrants from Canada can relax knowing that their financial future is not doomed by the Covid-19 pandemic recession. Calculations are made to make sure that the skilled immigrant workforce in Canada has a prosperous future. In addition, temporary workers can anticipate obtaining permanent residency if they choose to apply because the nation seeks to absorb workers already residing there.