Why Canadian Employers Are Hiring More Foreign Workers
michael • Jan 12, 2024
Economic Growth & Demographic Shifts
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in Canadian employers hiring foreign workers. This shift doesn't mean fewer job opportunities for Canadians; instead, it signals positive growth in the country's job market and changing labour demographics. In this blog post, we'll explore the factors behind the rise in hiring foreign workers and the positive effects this trend has on Canada's economy.
High Rates of Retirement
Increased Job Vacancies
As Canada’s economy grows, so does demand for labour. According to Statistics Canada, 411,800 vacant jobs were available in Canada in June of 2015. By June 2023, there were 779,390 vacancies (an increase of 89%). In the same period, the percent of jobs going vacant rose from 2.6% to 4.3%.
Demographic Shifts
One of the primary drivers behind the surge in hiring foreign workers is the process of demographic shift occurring in Canada, particular in the populations’ average age. Approximately one third of Canadians are retired or nearing retirement (StatsCan, 2022). An aging population has led to a shortage of skilled labor as compared to demand for labour, particularly in industries that require rare and specialized skills and experience. As a result, employers are turning to the global talent pool to fill these gaps and ensure the continued growth of their businesses.
High Rates of Retirement
Canada is experiencing a wave of retirements as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age. This mass departure from the workforce creates a vacuum of experienced professionals, particularly in fields where expertise is crucial. To maintain productivity and innovation, Canadian employers are increasingly seeking foreign workers with the necessary skills and qualifications to contribute to the growth of their organizations.
High Demand in Critical Specialized Positions
Certain industries, such as healthcare, technology, and engineering, are witnessing a surge in demand for skilled professionals. Canada's commitment to providing public and accessible healthcare services, for example, has resulted in a growing need for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The shortage of local talent in these critical positions has led employers to cast a wider net and recruit foreign workers who can bring valuable expertise to the Canadian workforce.
Positive Impacts on Canada's Economy
Contrary to the misconception that hiring foreign workers negatively affects the job market for Canadians, the influx of global talent contributes significantly to the growth and resilience of Canada's economy. When companies are able to fill key positions with skilled individuals, they can expand their operations, innovate, and remain competitive on the global stage. This, in turn, fosters economic activity, creating a ripple effect that leads to the creation of more jobs across various sectors.
Hiring foreign workers isn't a challenge to local opportunities; it's a strategic move to fill the growing number of jobs in Canada’s economy.
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