Gunness & Assocaites | Canadian Immigration specialists in Ontario

  Canada has a current demand for 20,000 truck drivers Canada's trucking industry needs at least 20,000 new truck drivers, a shortage that poses a risk to the economy due to the country's dependence on trucking. Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada report states that the shortage became critical during the pandemic as some drivers left and demand increased.  With a third of current drivers nearing retirement, the labour gap could reach 30,000 if recruitment doesn't improve. This issue is nationwide, with provinces like Ontario needing 6,100 drivers. According to the report, factors such as an aging workforce, demographics, and driver pay contribute to the shortage.  The industry must appeal to the youth to combat this, with Trucking Canada launching a major PR effort and the Choose to Truck social media campaign. "Without taking any actions to improve the current situation, the truck driver shortage in Canada will further worsen as the workforce ages and insu...

  Immigrants drive Ontario's labour force growth The Financial Accountability Office of Ontario (FAO) report highlights that international immigrants increasingly drive Ontario's labour Force growth. Based on 2021 Statistics Canada data, the study focuses on immigrants with permanent residence status in Canada. With immigration to Ontario reaching 227,424 in 2022, these new residents play a "significant role" in Ontario's economic growth.  The report reveals that despite a decrease in numbers in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19, Ontario welcomed many newcomers in 2022 due to increased border restrictions and higher immigration targets. The province's share of immigrants to Canada has increased to 42.5% this year. Despite fluctuations, immigrants account for a growing share of the province's labour force growth, constituting 39% from 2007-2014 and 63% from 2015-2022. This report provides information on long-term trends in the labor market of international immi...

  British Columbia held new invitation draws and invited 161 Candidates On November 21, 2023, the Government of British Columbia held new invitation draws under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) and issued invitations to apply to qualified candidates in healthcare, childcare, construction, and tech occupations.  In the Tech draw, the province invited 93 candidates. The minimum score for candidates invited to this draw was 94 points. BC issued 27 ITAs to candidates under the childcare-targeted draw for early childhood educators (NOC 42202).  In the Healthcare-targeted draw, BC British Columbia invited 17 candidates who scored 60 points.  In addition, the province invited 24 candidates working in the construction sector with a minimum score of 75.  In total, British Columbia issued 161 ITAs in this draw. This year, British Columbia has already invited 9,340 candidates. Invitations to apply for the skilled candidates in the Skills Immigration ...

  International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024 International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits - which has almost doubled in a year.  The PGWP, typically a one-time issuance, was temporarily extended during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a recent extension granting an additional 18 months for permits expiring by December 2023. Previously, students relied on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category of the Express Entry system for permanent residency, but the absence of CEC-specific rounds has led to heightened competition. Now, students remain optimistic about a PGWP extension. For more information please connect with an Immigration Consultant. Canada expanded PGWP distance learning measures On September 1, 2023, the Government of Canada extended measures allowing internation...

  Provincial immigration ministers pledge to collaborate for Canada's immigration benefits On November 17, 2023, the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration (FMRI) met in Toronto to discuss Canada's immigration future. They agreed on a coordinated approach to address opportunities and challenges, focusing on economic immigration and support for vulnerable newcomers.  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) presented a report that emphasized a welcoming experience for immigrants and alignment with labor market needs . The ministers affirmed the importance of reducing processing times and supporting Francophone immigration. Additionally, they agreed on collaborating on a crisis response framework, improving settlement services and the International Student Program. Details of the Provincial immigration ministers pledge This approach is founded on the principle of shared jurisdiction and mutual respect for federal and provincial-territorial roles and responsibi...

  British Columbia started inviting candidates working in the construction sector From November 16, 2023, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) prioritized 25 construction jobs to support the Homes for People plan, addressing the province's housing and infrastructure needs for the next five years.  Specifically, workers in selected construction roles with provincial trade qualifications will receive targeted invitations to apply, ensuring immediate contributions to British Columbia 's labour market. Valid qualifications include a certificate from SkilledTrades BC or a SkilledTradesBC-registered apprenticeship. Ministry staff are working with partners through the BCPNP to meet the construction sector's needs. To be eligible for targeted invitations to apply, construction workers must meet the following criteria:  The job offer must be for a full-time, indefinite-term position in one of the priority construction occupations. You must have a valid trade ce...