The Canadian government has decided to facilitate the recruitment of essential workers and boost economic growth by helping employers in the country. A recently introduced initiative aims to simplify the process for Canadian employers looking to hire individuals from the Philippines.
In a statement released on October 19, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) visa office in Manila introduced CAN Work Philippines, a program designed to expedite work permit processing for Canadian employers that are eligible, VisaGuide.World reports.
“The pilot is open to Canadian employers recruiting from the Philippines and hiring approximately 50 or more workers or for critical occupations in sectors such as health care, construction, and agri-food,” the statement of the Canadian Government reads.
Under this program, eligible Canadian employers will benefit from streamlined work permit processing. At the same time, they will have the opportunity to arrange group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for prospective employees, making it easier for skilled workers in the Philippines to come to Canada.
The government further revealed that IRCC is allocating $200,000 to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assist in implementing fair and ethical recruitment standards in the Philippines.
Commenting on this decision, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, emphasized that every year, a considerable number of temporary foreign workers from various parts of the world contribute to Canada’s labor sector, aiding in economic growth and filling labour market gaps. According to him, this group includes many newcomers from the Philippines.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne M. Caunan of the Department of Migrant Workers in the Philippines highlighted that the Philippines–Canada Friendship Week signifies the robust ties and common values between both nations and underscores their shared dedication to ethical and fair recruitment.
Chief of Mission in the Philippines at the IOM, Tristan Burnett, also added that IOM is inspired by the collaboration of these two nations in advancing fair and ethical recruitment standards. As he explains, this commitment is crucial for ensuring the well-being and safeguarding of the rights of overseas Filipino workers, which aligns with the Philippines’ National Action Plan and the Global Compact for Migration, making it a key component of these initiatives.
Moreover, the government of Canada said that immigration plays a significant role in driving the country’s labour force growth, accounting for nearly all of it. As a result, about 75 percent of Canada’s population growth is attributed to immigration. Projections also indicate that by 2036, immigrants will make up as much as 30 percent of Canada’s population, a notable increase from the 20.7 percent recorded in 2011.
The Philippines has historically been a key source country for immigration to Canada. According to the 2021 Census, approximately 960,000 individuals of Philippines origin reside in Canada. Filipino nationals are also among the top recipients of work permits. In the first half of 2023, one in ten work permits issued through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program went to Filipino nationals.
