In recent years, Canada’s healthcare sector has experienced an unprecedented reliance on temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to address critical labor shortages. This trend has grown almost tenfold from 2018 to 2023, as highlighted by data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and reported by CBC News.
Back in 2018, only 447 positions in Canada’s healthcare sector were filled by temporary foreign workers. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has skyrocketed to 4,336. This sharp increase underscores the growing challenges faced by Canada’s healthcare system in finding sufficient local workforce to fill essential roles such as nurses, orderlies, and patient service associates.
This increase reflects a broader trend in the Canadian labor market. According to Statistics Canada, the number of unfilled job positions has dropped by 39.7% over the past two years, from 990,900 vacancies in the second quarter of 2022 to 597,725 by March 2024. This reduction highlights the significant role that immigration plays in bridging labor gaps across various sectors.
Immigrants have always been vital to Canada’s economic success. They fill critical gaps in the labor force, pay taxes, and stimulate the economy through their spending on goods, housing, and transportation.
Dan Kelly, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, aptly noted, “Economic immigration has always been the lifeblood of Canada’s economic success and has played a key role in the building of our great nation.”
Deloitte’s recent report, “Strengthening Canada’s Labour Market,” emphasizes the need for the federal government to remove disincentives to immigration. The report argues that any barriers to immigration could impede Canada’s economic growth, especially given the rising cost of living and housing crisis making it harder to attract skilled workers.
To compete with countries like the United States, which has more favorable immigration policies for skilled workers, Deloitte suggests streamlining Canada’s immigration processes and making them more accessible online. This includes a more user-friendly, digital experience for both immigration applications and post-arrival support services.
At Directpath Canada, we understand the critical role that both temporary and permanent immigration programs play in addressing labor shortages and contributing to Canada’s economy. Our services in global recruitment, immigration, and settlement have been recognized for excellence, having successfully placed hundreds of high-skilled workers in Canada.
We are committed to offering a variety of programs that not only address immediate labor needs but also support long-term economic growth. Whether through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), International Mobility Program (IMP), or pathways to permanent residency like the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Directpath Canada is here to guide you every step of the way.
For foreign nationals, Canada offers several pathways to permanent residency. The Express Entry system, which ranks candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), allows the highest-ranked candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) also play a crucial role, enabling provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers to meet local labor market needs.
Employers can also leverage the Global Talent Stream (GTS) under the TFWP to expedite the hiring process, with work permits and visa applications being processed within two weeks under normal circumstances.
Canada’s growing reliance on temporary foreign workers, especially in the healthcare sector, highlights the urgent need for effective immigration policies and support systems. Directpath Canada is dedicated to assisting employers and workers navigate these changes, ensuring a seamless and beneficial experience for all parties involved.
Information Source: Immigration.Ca
