Immigrants needed for Canadian economic growth: Minister Kenney

Two weeks ago, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney told the media that immigration is needed to keep Canada’s economy growing.

Economic immigrants  to Canada needed since recession

“For a couple of generations Canadians have been deciding to have fewer kids than we need to grow and maintain our population, which means ultimately fewer workers and fewer taxpayers to pay for benefits, health care and pensions for our growing number of retired folk… this is where immigration comes in,” he said.

“In 2009 when we had the recession, because unemployment was going up and a significant number of Canadians were being laid off, the Government wanted to be sure that we weren’t extending foreign workers into an economy where Canadians were going to need those jobs. That’s why they tightened up to the one-year Labour Market Opinion (LMO). Now that things are moving and unemployment is going down and the labour market is getting tighter, we recognize that there’s a need to relax these rules,” said Minister Kenney.

Minister Kenney to make Temporary Foreign Worker visas easier to apply for

Kenney is still in the middle of public consultations on immigration issues, but the government is looking to make it easier for employers who want to bring in Temporary Foreign workers and Canadian visa applicants with an easier online system.

While making the immigration process easier is always a good idea, it’s important to ensure that you consult a licensed immigration lawyer during your visa application or when attempting to hire Temporary Foreign Workers – because a mistake on an online application can result in your application being denied.

Any information provided here does not constitute legal advice and is intended for general information only. Should you require legal advise, you are encouraged to contact a lawyer directly. All blog postings are public and are not subject to solicitor/client confidentially

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About Michael Niren

Michael is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section and the American Bar Association. He is frequently called upon to appear in the media to discuss Canadian and US immigration issues effecting North Americans. He has been interviewed by Canada AM, CTV, Canada News Net, the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star and has given lectures on immigration topics overseas.

3 Responses to “Immigrants needed for Canadian economic growth: Minister Kenney”

  1. Chad October 1, 2011 12:54 pm
    #

    What are the requirements to apply as a temporary foreign worker?

  2. Alicia Kim October 10, 2011 1:47 pm
    #

    Dear Chad,

    You would need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Your employer would then have to apply for a Labour Market Opinion. If you are successful in obtaining a positive Labour Market Opinion, you may apply for a Work Permit. Since each step involves a careful and detailed analysis of your employer, the position offered, and your qualification, I suggest that you consult with an immigration lawyer to better assess your eligibility.

    Thank you.

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