Bengaluru
An economic statement emphasizes the strategy to boost affordable housing in Canada
On November 21, Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland presented the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, updating the progress of Canada’s economic plan. It acknowledges the housing affordability crisis, a significant concern for newcomers. The primary issue is insufficient supply to meet demand, with Canada’s population reaching over 40 million this year. The government plans to bring more skilled workers to Canada to boost house construction. It prioritizes pathways for construction workers to gain permanent residency. This was realized by launching category-based selection rounds of Express Entry invitations, allowing candidates with specific attributes to receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) rather than strictly those with high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
#Immigration_to_Canada, #Housing, #ITAs, #EE, #CRS
Canada has a current demand for 20,000 truck drivers
Canada’s trucking industry needs at least 20,000 new drivers, a shortage that poses a risk to the economy due to the country’s dependence on trucking. Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada report states that the shortage became critical during the pandemic as some drivers left and demand increased. With a third of current drivers nearing retirement, the labour gap could reach 30,000 if recruitment doesn’t improve. This issue is nationwide, with provinces like Ontario needing 6,100 drivers. According to the report, factors such as an ageing workforce, demographics, and driver pay contribute to the shortage. The industry must appeal to the youth to combat this, with Trucking Canada launching a major PR effort and the Choose to Truck social media campaign.
#Truck_Drivers, #labour_shortages, #trucking, #FHCP
Which Express Entry candidates are most likely to receive an Invitation to Apply?
The Canadian Government released data on Express Entry candidates who most often have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The data, covering January to September 2023, showed 53,455 ITAs issued. Express Entry manages applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and part of the Provincial Nominee Program. Factors considered included ITAs by program, province, score, age, and occupation. Most successful were Canadian Experience Class applicants in their 20s, often software engineers planning to live in Ontario. By program, 45% of ITAs went to the CEC, 30% to FSWP, and 26% to the PNP. Almost half of all ITA recipients planned to reside in Ontario, followed by British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
#EE, #ITA, #CEC, #FSWP, #FSTP, #PNP, #statistics
Quebec announced immigration program reforms for 2023-2024
On November 23, 2023, the Quebec Immigration Regulations amendment took effect, enhancing economic immigration programs for labour challenges, economic development, and French language vitality. The provincial government made the French knowledge required for economic immigration selection. Changes to the business programs – Investor, Entrepreneur, Self-Employed – will be effective January 1, 2024. Additionally, starting November 23, 2024, Quebec will require study in Quebec in French to qualify for the Quebec Experience Program – Graduate Component. Furthermore, the Qualified Worker Selection Program will replace the Regular Skilled Worker Program starting November 29, 2024.
#Quebec, #Francophone_immigration, #Quebec_Expreience_Program