Canada:
Ontario:
Ontario Is Preparing To Switch To New NOC 2021:
The province is preparing to align OINP with the new NOC 2021 system.
For the OINP Employer job offer In-demand skills stream, which previously required a job offer in select NOC skill level C or D occupations, the stream will now require job offers in select TEER 4 or 5 occupations under NOC 2021.
Ontario Language Requirement:
The province is also proposing to require Employer Job Offer Foreign Worker stream applicants to have a Canadian language benchmark (CLB) level 5 or above.
The province also wants to require Employer Job Offer International Student Stream, applicants with a certificate of at least 1 year to meet the criteria of the Ontario College Graduate Certificate as defined under the Ontario Qualifications framework.
Federal:
Canada Aims To Attract More French Speakers:
Canada wants to attract more bilingual French speakers in order to redress the imbalance in favour of English speaking applicants under the federal skilled workers program.
French speaking applicants will now receive 25 points, as against 15 points and if bilingual, will receive 50 points as against 30 points, under the language skills section.
The government aims to admit 4.4% of French speaking immigrants outside of Quebec by 2030. In 2019, the percentage of French speaking immigrants admitted outside Quebec province was 2.82%.
Visible Minority Women To Be Empowered:
Canada is making it easier for newcomer women to find a job by providing the support and services they need to succeed. This will help these women highlight their experiences as they settle in Canada. Some newcomer women face multiple barriers trying to find work and get ahead in Canada.
This includes gender and race-based discrimination, precarious or low income employment, lack of affordable childcare, and weak social and employment support. Recognizing these challenges, the government has selected 22 organizations from across the country that understand visible minority newcomer women, the barriers they face, and their circumstances.
These organizations will develop and test innovative approaches to enable more visible minority newcomer women to find a job and succeed at work. Also, to increase the digital literacy of visible minority newcomer women to access and advance within the Canadian labour market.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Takes Off:
Eleven rural and Northern communities have been selected as part of the new rural and Northern immigration pilot to invite newcomers to make these communities their permanent homes.
As the Canadian population ages and the birth rate declines, rural Canada's workforce has seen a significant decrease in available workers. This pilot will help attract people that are needed to drive economic growth and help support middle-class jobs in these communities.
Canada's New Agri-Food Immigration Pilot Program:
In order to address the needs of employers in the Agri-Food sector, the federal government has commenced a pilot program that will make it easier for temporary foreign workers in this sector apply for permanent residency.
This program targets labourers in the meat processing, mushroom planting, greenhouse production and livestock raising sectors of the Agri-Food industry.
IRCC will issue permanent resident visas to as many as 2,750 applicants within the next 3 years, under this pilot program. Applications will continue to be accepted until May 14, 2023. The province of Quebec is not part of this pilot program.
Canada's Immigration Target 2021 - 2023:
Canada has set immigration targets for the next 3 years with the aim of welcoming:
2021: 401,100 immigrants
2022: 411,000 immigrants
2023: 421,000 immigrants.
The vast majority of the new immigrants (60%), will be under the economic class (for both federal and provinces), while the other programs (family class and refugees) will make up the balance.
In order to address the problems associated with it's aging population, Canada needs to attract more younger immigrants to fill vacancies expected in it's labour market. With low birth rate (1.47 births per woman), the country will face acute labour shortages in the near future.
It is important to note, that Canada's focus is on highly skilled professionals who will bring their wealth of experience to grow the Canadian economy.
Quebec:
Quebec Has 3 New Pilot Programs:
The province of Quebec has announced 3 new pilot programs that is aimed at boosting it's economy. The programs are:
1. Program for Orderlies;
2. Program for workers in Information Technologies (IT), program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Visual Effects.
3. Program for workers in Food Processing (FP).
The province is experiencing skills shortages in these critical sectors and is hoping to fill the skills gap.
The pilot programs will run for 5 years and aims to accept 550 eligible workers and their families in each of the programs.
Each of the pilot programs has a pathway to permanent residence under the Quebec Immigrant Nominee program.
Newfoundland and Labrador:
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced a new immigration program, Priority Skills program that targets professionals in the:
1. Health care;
2. Communications Technology (ICT) and;
3. Information.
Permanent Resident Card (PR Card)
For new permanent residents, there is no need to apply to IRCC for a permanent resident card as this will be mailed to your Canadian address on your arrival. However, if you have not provided an address in Canada, you need to apply using the IRCC online tool within 180 days of landing.
Work In Canada:
Labour Market Information Centres:
They provide information about career planning, occupations, the labour market and future trends. They are a full-service information centre for all work- related matters and they can also assist you with resume writing and tips for job searches and preparation for job interviews.
Employment Standards:
Employment standards are the minimum standards of employment for employers and employees in the workplace. They are standards for:
- payment of earning
- hours of work, rest periods and days of rest
- overtime and overtime payment
- vacations and vacation time
- general holidays and general holiday pay
- maternity and parental leave
- termination of employment
- employment of people under 18 years of age.
Workplace Health and Safety:
Workplace health and safety deals with the damage and potential hazards that could affect your health or safety while you are working. There are laws to ensure that workplaces are safe. Under the law, employers must take the proper steps to ensure that their workplaces are free of dangers and hazards. As an employee, you are also expected to help make your workplace safe.
Human Rights:
If employers discriminate against employees, then employees can file a complaint with the provincial human rights commission. Application must be filed to the commission within one year of the incident occurrence.
Health Care In Canada:
Provincial Health Card:
All Canadian citizens and permanent residents may apply for public health insurance. When you have it, you do not pay for most health-care services as health care is paid for through taxes. When you use public health care services you must show your health card to the hospital or medical clinic. Each province and territory has their own health insurance plan, but basically all provinces and territories will provide free emergency medical services, even if you do not have a government health card. Note, if you go to a walk-in clinic in a province or territory you do not officially reside, then you might be charged medical fees.
Family Benefits:
Information about benefits to help your family with the costs of raising children, including benefits for raising a child with disability.
Driving in Canada:
Driving License:
To legally drive in Canada, you will need a driver's license. In Canada, provincial and territorial governments issue driver's licences. With a license you can drive anywhere in Canada, but you must carry your driver's license with you whenever you are driving. If you have a valid license from your home country, you will probably be able to use this to drive in Canada for a short period after you arrive, but you need to find if this is applicable to your home country. Visit your local registry for more information.
The process of getting a driver's licence in Canada depends on the province or territory in which you live and on your driving background. You may need to pass a written exam on the rules of the road and also pass the driving test, you may choose to pay for driving lessons to prepare for the driving test.
Education in Canada:
In Canada, parents have the primary responsibility for educating their children. To assist them, provincial and territorial governments administer and regulate educational systems. There is no federal department of education and no national system of education. Instead, each province and territory has its own system of education. The educational systems are generally similar across Canada with some variations between province and territories. You may also opt for private education for your children and some religious bodies provide education for those who can afford to pay for it.
Canada Job Websites: