News & Events - News Releases
Immigration Changes a Boon to Canada's Economy
Vancouver, April 9, 2008 – In the recently proposed changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, the BC Chamber of Commerce was pleased to see the federal government’s priorities have shifted to address the economic imperative created by the current skills shortage.
“Our members will be delighted,” says John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “Under these changes, Citizenship and Immigration Canada would finally be afforded the flexibility it needs to begin prioritizing applications based on Canada’s urgent need for skilled workers – a move which is essential to the country’s economy.”
The BC Chamber of Commerce has been the leading voice in British Columbia calling on the federal government to recognize the scale of the skills shortage, and to amend its immigration practices accordingly.
“By 2012, one hundred percent of the net growth in our labour force will come from immigration,” continues Winter. “That isn’t a figure which is easy to ignore. We’re very happy that the government is being so proactive on this issue.”
The changes also include improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and improved systems for facilitating the entrance of foreign students into the country. This will make the respective processes easier and more cost-effective for employers who are unable to find Canadian labour, and for foreign students wishing to study and work in Canada.
“Our economy depends on immigration, and always has,” says Winter. “It just makes sense for our immigration policies to reflect that fact. We urge our elected representatives to put the economy up front, and ensure this Bill is passed.”
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For more information contact:
John Winter
President and CEO
BC Chamber of Commerce
D 604.638.8110
C 604.376.3577
E jwinter@bcchamber.org