QUESTION PERIOD — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
International Students
September 28, 2022
Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. I would like to address the issue of Canada’s labour shortages and how immigration, and specifically international students, could help address this issue.
According to a recent economic report, international students are now a key talent pipeline for Canada, representing almost 40% of new economic-class immigrants. We also know that international students could help fill labour shortages in trades, services, health care and much more. In health care alone, the projected labour shortfall is nearly 111,000 by 2028.
I strongly believe Canada needs to do a better job at tapping into our diverse and highly qualified pool of international students to help fill labour shortages and contribute to our economic growth.
What new measures is the government taking to ensure international students can easily shift from the classroom to citizenship to the workplace in a timely and efficient manner?
Thank you, senator, for your question. The government recognizes that international students represent a very promising pool of skilled and talented individuals in the Canadian labour market. It is my understanding that, as permanent residents, former international students have some advantages in the labour market and that the share of international students who worked while studying or after graduation has been increasing.
The government is committed to improving the experience for its clients, including students from abroad, and modernizing our immigration system. I’m advised that the government is also focused on ensuring that our immigration plans support our economic resurgence and post-pandemic growth.
With regard to any new measures or those already in place, I will have to make inquiries of the government. I hope to have an answer in a timely manner, but I will say this: The government remains committed to helping students enter the workforce as quickly as possible so that we can utilize their talents and skills.
One statistic suggests that 50% of international students do not file a tax return post graduation, so that means we’re not retaining 50% of the students. What policies or targeted measures have the government implemented to recruit the best young talent from abroad, including international students?
I think we should monitor and keep track of the international students who are leaving Canada. We’re not doing that. I did make mention of that recently.
There are some concerns. Canada is struggling to keep this international pool of talent, and I think we should make a huge effort to try to retain this talent in Canada. Is there a specific strategy or strategies that you know of or have spoken to the government about or that you will speak to the government about to retain this talent?
I can certainly answer yes to one of the last questions. I will certainly make inquiries. I’m not aware of specific programs, but I will say this: The amount of study permit holders in Canada has increased significantly, from 122,000 in 2000 to 642,000 in 2019. There is a large pool that we can hope to retain for the benefit of our country.
Moving forward, the government plans to address labour shortages by welcoming talented workers to Canada, including support for their training, youth employment programs and addressing the specific needs of the evolving sectors. Indeed, I’m advised that the government’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2022-24 aspires to continue to welcome immigrants at a historic rate.
I will make inquiries about the specific programs that may exist for retention and get back to you as quickly as I can.
