Canadian Immigration News

A recent Statistics Canada report reveals growth in Canada's employment numbers in April, surprising economic expectations. Though economists had predicted a drop of 50,000 jobs throughout the month, overall employment instead grew by 35,900.

With next week's federal election quickly approaching, candidates are out campaigning in immigrant communities across the country, and encouragingnewcomers to exercise their right to vote.

Finance ministers of the G7 nations met in Rome, Italy this past weekend to discuss the global financial crisis and to coordinate more secure banking practices for the future.

The Government of Canada has recently signed Labout Market Agreements (LMA) with the provinces of Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure that all residents have the ability toparticipate and contribute to the workforces in each province. The new LMA's focus primarily on helping people move from lower-skilled work to better jobsin sectors such as health care, construction, and manufacturing.

Yesterday, the Government of Canada and community organizations across the country joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in observing World Refugee Day. Since 2000, June 20 has been designated as a day to shed light on the international refugee state of affairs.

Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Canada (CIMC) Minister Jason Kenney recently announced that Canada is doubling the number of privately sponsored Iraqi refugees.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada Minister Diane Finley recently announced changes to work permit requirements for international students in Canada.

The British Columbia (BC) provincial government has signed a two-year memorandum of understanding with the Philippine government to help fill provincial labour shortages with skilled Filipino workers.

British Columbia (BC) recently became the first province in Canada to introduce legislation clear the way for full labour mobility for all trades and professions across the country.

The Philippines is one of the largest exporters of labourers in the world, with 10 per cent of its current population working abroad. In 2006, it was the third highest source country of immigrants to Canada; it has been among the top five for over 25 years. As Canada’s labour crunch continues, Filipino workers are an increasingly important source of labour.