Panel Recommends Canadian Immigration Improvements

A government appointed panel has released a report recommending improvements to Canada's immigration system. The panel, chaired by the former CEO of Bell Canada Enterprises, recommended that the Canadian government puts more emphasis on immigration as an economic benefit, being more selective and responsive in addressing labour market demands. In order that Canada can better attract and retain top talent from around the world, the panel suggested that the immigration department should fast-track those applications which offer the greatest benefit to the economy.

The report suggests that 75% of the growth in Canada's workforce is presently derived from immigration; this is expected to reach 100% by the year 2010. Currently, one in five Canadian workers is foreign-born.