Canada needs workers and other news of the week

A severe shortage of workers, immigration plan for 2023, and other news.

Living in Canada

Let's start with the surprising news. Canadians and immigrants are leaving the province of Ontario en masse. In the second quarter of 2022, this region recorded the highest outflow of the population. 49,000 people left. Ontario has always been the most popular province in Canada but also one of the most expensive. Now residents are interested in the province of Alberta. 37,000 people moved into it during the same period.

New data on the housing market in Canada appeared. Although real estate prices have risen over the years, 66.5% of Canadian residents own their homes. Moreover, the older Canadians are, the greater is the percentage of homeowners among them. Only 21% spend more than a third of their income on rent or mortgage. Also, according to the research, only 15% of the population live in apartments, while the rest live in detached houses, townhouses, and similar real estate types.

Jobs in Canada

Ontario is experiencing a labour shortage. The province is estimated to need 100,000 construction workers over the next decade. Now it is planned to hire 2,500. For this, there's a special portal that posts job openings for various workers in the construction industry. And for those already in Canada, free online training is available in the same industry.

One more employment opportunity, this time for skilled professionals. The province of New Brunswick will hold a job fair in Morocco this November. Citizens of all countries can attend it. Foremost, New Brunswick needs workers in finance, administration, education, medicine, and advertising.

Immigration to Canada

Before November 1, Canada should publish a new immigration plan for 2023-2025. The plan is developed for the nearest three years but is adjusted annually. Under the current plan, Canada will aim to welcome 447,500 immigrants in 2023. But the numbers are likely to be higher in the new plan, as it happened before.

The province of British Columbia will stop holding immigration draws and accepting immigration applications soon. The reason is that on November 16, Canada will transition to a new occupational classification, which will change the requirements in all immigration programs. The pause in British Columbia will last from October 12 to November 16.

Other provinces haven't announced the pause in draws and application acceptance. For example, Alberta is waiting for immigrants. This year, rural immigration streams were launched, and now a list of designated towns appeared. 22 communities are suitable for skilled workers. You need to find a job there to be eligible to immigrate. Another 37 towns are suitable for entrepreneurs who want to start or purchase a business.

On October 4, British Columbia held an immigration draw and invited 239 people. Some of them were selected in a general draw, and some were in a targeted draw for childhood educators, healthcare professionals, and veterinarians.