Quebec seeks more immigrants

Quebec's immigration department is implementing a plan to increase the number of immigrants it attracts annually. For 2007, it is estimated that the province will attract 45,000 new immigrants, a shortfall of 3000 compared to the present plan. By 2010, Quebec is seeking to increase this number to 55,000 immigrants annually in response to labour shortages and a declining birth rate.

The government has also pledged to improve its spending of approximately $200 million of federal funding designated for assistance of the integration of new immigrants into Quebec society.

Canadian Industry Seeking more Immigration

Industry officials in numerous sectors in Canada are facing crippling labour shortages. Those officials in provinces such as British Columbia, where shortages of as many as 20,000 skilled workers exist, are looking for ways to expedite the immigration process so as to be able to recruit from overseas and meet project requirements. Monte Solberg, Canada's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development states that he is looking for ways to expedite the process of immigration.

Although backlogs can be lengthy in some cases, Canada is still seen as having lenient visa processing rules compared to other Western nations. Faced with continued shortages in its labour force in the USA, for example, software giant Microsoft has set up a division of its company in Canada for the purpose of software development. The company hopes to be able to attract talent from among Canadians and those immigrating to Canada.

Canadian immigrants receive training support

The government of the province of Alberta has announced that it will be providing CAD$740,000 over the next three years to fund the Immigrant Access Fund. The fund loans new Canadians the money necessary to upgrade education, training, and certification for the Canadian labour market. With the support of the Alberta government, the funds sources the loans through private businesses in the region.

The money loaned through this organization can be used for short-term training, including tuition fees at recognized post-secondary institutions, and on-line courses. It also includes examination fees for professional licensing and governing organizations, related travel expenses, occupational qualification assessments, professional association fees, books and course materials, and living expenses associated with study times.