Ontario to double economic migrants
Trucking-related labor shortages were among those highlighted on Saturday when the Ontario government announced plans to double the number of economic immigrants it selects in 2025.
“From 9,000 immigration spots in 2021 to over 18,000 in 2025, today’s announcement is a significant win for the people of Ontario and will help us control our economic destiny by selecting more of the skilled immigrants we know are well-placed to succeed and build stronger communities for all of us,” Ontario Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton said in a press release.
Ontario was allocated 9,790 immigrants through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) in 2022, and the province will be able to nominate 16,500 immigrants in 2023.
“As we remain focused on addressing the acute labor market shortages and building a strong economy into the future, one thing remains certain: immigration is a key part of the solution,” said Sean Fraser, federal minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship.
The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), which was on hand for the announcement, applauded the move.
“Since gaining access to the OINP in 2019, the Ontario trucking industry has continued to welcome newcomers to our sector to help fill key job vacancies,” said Jonathan Blackham, OTA director – policy and public affairs.
“Today’s announcement is not only positive for our sector, it’s positive for all businesses and Ontarians who rely on the trucking industry to deliver the essential goods and products they need every day.”
The trucking industry officially secured access to the federal Express Entry program last fall.
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We have no housing i see too many people living in tents and cars . The O P P in huron county are getting calls every day about the disabled homeless. Huron easyshare has over 500 homeless many that from ukraine and other counties we are trying to help.
Where are they gonna live? We have ukranian refugees sleeping in Pearson airport, gov’t selects who gets assistance…. The gov’t is just adding fuel to the homelessness situation… Why not train Canadians to run down Canadian roads?
I have nothing against immigration but at least properly train these new comers before turning them loose behind the wheel of a truck so that the carnage we see on our highways now from poorly trained drivers doesn’t get worse than it already is.