Professor Usha George from Toronto Metropolitan University noted that while immigration boosts Canada’s economy, newcomers’ skills are underutilized due to the preference for Canadian work experience. This preference is a barrier for immigrants securing jobs matching their foreign experience, particularly in essential sectors like healthcare and housing. Immigrants often accept minimum wage jobs despite their qualifications. However, Ontario’s proposed legislation to ban Canadian work experience requirements in job postings, announced on November 9, 2023, offers hope. Minister David Piccini emphasized the need for immigrants to secure rewarding careers to address labour shortages, stating that when newcomers contribute, everyone benefits.
