The Canadian trucking industry plays a vital role in the country's economy, moving goods across the vast nation and maintaining vital supply chains. However, the industry faces a significant challenge: a labour shortage that poses a threat to Canada's long-term economic recovery and stability. The sector is calling on the government to expedite the processing of immigration applications and to address barriers preventing internationally trained truckers from entering the Canadian workforce.
A recent statement by the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA) highlights the crucial nature of this issue. The industry has one of the highest job vacancy rates and the oldest workforce in the country. The CTA emphasizes that trucking’s labour shortages affect all Canadians and all Canadian businesses, both directly and indirectly. Investments made in trucking’s labour force result in high dividends to Canada’s overall economy. The CTA has made formal submissions regarding immigration reforms, focusing on key programs like the Express Entry, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and concepts such as ‘Known Employer’ programs.
Canada's response to these concerns is rooted in a broader understanding of the role immigration plays in the country's success. The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, emphasized the importance of newcomers to Canada's continued success. Immigrants work every day to create jobs, care for our loved ones, and support local businesses. They are on the front lines, working in key sectors like health care, transportation, and manufacturing. Immigration accounts for almost 100% of labour force growth, and with 5 million Canadians set to retire by the end of this decade, the worker to retiree ratio will drop to only 3:1.
To address this, Canada's 2022-2024 Immigration Levels Plan aims to welcome immigrants at a rate of about 1% of Canada’s population, including 431,645 permanent residents in 2022, 447,055 in 2023, and 451,000 in 2024. This plan aims to fill critical labour market gaps and support a strong economy into the future, with a particular focus on economic resurgence and post-pandemic growth.
In support of these increased levels, Canada has announced plans to modernize its immigration system to fuel economic recovery and improve the client experience. This modernization aims to address key challenges such as reducing inventories and creating predictable processing times that clients expect and deserve.
The Immigration Levels Plan will also help increase the attraction and retention of newcomers in regions with acute economic, labour, and demographic challenges. There are plans to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec, supporting the successful integration of French-speaking newcomers and strengthening Francophone communities across the country.
The plan includes long-term focus on economic growth, with nearly 60% of admissions in the Economic Class, talent retention of those already in Canada, and support for vulnerable populations.
Despite these plans, the trucking industry's specific concerns still need attention. It's clear there's a pressing need to streamline immigration processes and remove barriers for internationally trained truckers. The industry's call to action is a reminder that sector-specific requirements and challenges should be taken into account when developing immigration policies.
At Mesidor Canadian Immigration Services, we understand the importance of these issues. We are here to guide you through the immigration process. Whether you're a trucking firm looking to recruit internationally trained drivers or an individual seeking to navigate the immigration system, we're here to help. We stay up-to-date with the latest policy changes and requirements to provide you with the most accurate and helpful advice.
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