Mechanical Contractors Association Of Canada: Immigration

McMaster University Dept: Arthur Sweetman , an economist at McMaster University , said an expanded role for business in selecting immigrants could prove valuable, particularly since it would provide a better picture of the skills that are wanted in the labour market. But the planning horizon for most businesses is a few years at most. Governments must plan for a lifetime. That s why it is important, he said, that those nominated by employers will still need to qualify under the revamped points system, which is expected to emphasize language, youth and education all good indicators of adaptability, according to Globe and Mail. Richard McKeagan , president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada , welcomed the news that Mr. Kenney wants to introduce a special immigration stream for skilled tradespeople and speaking at the Metropolis conference on immigration research in Toronto on Thursday, Mr. Kenney laid out his vision for immigration. Although his speech was short on policy details, Mr. Kenney emphasized his plan to create a just-in-time immigration system in which immigrants, particularly those with strong language skills, would be offered a job, have their credentials assessed, get accepted and settled in Canada all within a year of applying. At the moment, that process can take several years. Mr. Kenney said immigration must be about nation building. In doing so, he signalled that the federal government does not intend to relinquish its role in immigrant selection. He also said he would like to see the provinces adopt stricter language testing in the selection of immigrants under the provincial nominee program, and hinted that the program is unlikely to grow. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.