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Friday, March 28, 2008

Important: Changes in the Immigration Law in Canada!

Businesses applaud proposed immigration law

Opposition, lawyers, advocacy groups overwhelmingly oppose bill and the broad powers it grants to immigration minister

From Friday's Globe and Mail

OTTAWA, MONTREAL — With the Olympics coming to town and a massive building boom, British Columbia will have about one million job openings over the next five years.

But during that same time period, only about 650,000 students will graduate from the province's high schools, said Philip Hochstein, president of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association of British Columbia.

And it takes about five years to process applications for the immigrants expected to fill the gap.

"We don't have a need five years from now, we have a need right now," Mr. Hochstein said.

Immigration groups and lawyers may be overwhelmingly against proposed changes to Canada's immigration laws, but Canadian businesses say fixes are needed, and soon.

"I take heart in the fact that politicians have realized that the [immigration] system is just completely broken," Mr. Hochstein said. "And using old ideas to solve the problem isn't going to work any longer. It takes a more dramatic approach."

Under a proposed new law, Canada's immigration minister would have the power to issue instructions to immigration officers about the type and number of immigration applications to process. It is unclear what these instructions may contain, although Citizenship and Immigration Canada would no longer be required to process all applications.

The government has said the changes are aimed at getting more skilled immigrants to Canada faster. Immigration groups and lawyers have largely condemned the proposed changes, saying they give the minister broad power and would create a fundamentally unfair system.

But Mr. Hochstein said the government is moving in the right direction by focusing on Canada's economic needs. "We need strong, young, willing workers to come, much like the people who built this country," he said.

Last year, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business issued a report on immigration and labour shortages in Canada that called for a reduction in immigration waiting times and more emphasis on skilled workers.

Dan Kelly, the federation's senior vice-president of legislative affairs, said his organization hasn't taken a position for or against the changes proposed by the Harper government. However, he said serious changes are needed to fix the current system. "A lot of applications are caught in a massive backlog," Mr. Kelly said. "A lot of more recent applications are stuck behind huge, huge glut."

Citizenship and Immigration Canada estimates a backlog of more than 600,000 in the "skilled worker" category.

However, it is unclear how long it will take before the changes actually make a dent in that backlog - if implemented, the new law would apply to applications received after Feb. 27, 2008.

Still, as another in a long line of issues that may yet trigger a federal election, the proposed change remains a political hot topic.

In Montreal yesterday, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion said the growth of Canada's work force depends on immigration, and that the Tory project is unpalatable. "It's unacceptable in terms of procedure, and even more unacceptable in terms of content," he said. "We'll take all available means to ensure that it's studied adequately at the [House of Commons] immigration committee."

He refused to say how far the Liberals were willing to go, or whether they would force an election over the issue. The changes were part of a budget implementation bill, which means any vote on the bill would be considered one of confidence in the government.

Mr. Dion's immigration critic, Maurizio Bevilacqua, echoed his party's desire to have the bill debated and changed when it is studied in committee. Mr. Bevilacqua said feedback to the bill has been overwhelmingly negative and offered a clear sign that the Liberals may defeat the government this spring over the proposal.

"We're obviously not supportive of the bill," he said. "There's a menu of issues for us to pull the government down and this is certainly one of them."

NDP immigration critic Olivia Chow said she shares the concerns of immigration agencies who fear the measures will block applicants from certain poor countries and encourage the use of labour exploitation through temporary work permits. "I have quite a large number of immigration community groups coming to my office," she said yesterday from Toronto. "I didn't get any positive comments from any of the groups."

Ms. Chow said existing laws already give the minister powers to make certain skills a priority. The fact that the change gives open-ended power to the immigration minister to determine criteria for processing applications is a major concern, she added. "[The criteria] could be racially based, it could be by country, it could be by religion. It can be anything."

'OCCUPATIONS UNDER PRESSURE'

MANAGEMENT

Senior Managers - Financial, Communications Carriers

Senior Managers - Health, Education, Social and Community Services

Senior Managers - Trade, Broadcasting and Other Services, N.E.C.

Senior Managers - Goods Production, Utilities, Transportation, Construction

Financial Managers

Human Resources Managers

Purchasing Manager

Other Administrative Services Managers

Other Business Services Managers

Engineering Managers

Architecture and Science Managers

Managers in Health Care

Administrators in Post-Secondary Education and Vocational Training

School Principals & Administrators of Elementary & Secondary Education

Managers in Publishing, Motion Pictures, Broadcasting and Performing Arts

Recreation and Sport Program and Service Directors

Sales, Marketing and Advertising Managers

Restaurant and Food Service Managers

Accommodation Service Managers

Other Services Managers

Construction Managers

Transportation Managers

Facility Operation and Maintenance Managers

Manufacturing Managers

BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Financial Auditors and Accountants

Other Financial Officers

Specialists in Human Resources

Professional Occupations in Business Services to Management

Supervisors, General Office and Administrative Support Clerks

Supervisors, Library, Correspondence and Related Information Clerks

Administrative Officers

Executive Assistants

Property Administrators

Purchasing Agents and Officers

Conference and Event Planners

Bookkeepers

Customs, Ship and Other Brokers

Secretaries (except Legal and Medical)

Receptionists and Switchboard Operators

Payroll Clerks

Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Clerks

Administrative Clerks

Customer Service, Information and Related Clerks

NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

Geologists, Geochemists and Geophysicists

Other Professional Occupations in Physical Sciences

Biologists and Related Scientists

Civil Engineers

Mechanical Engineers

Electrical and Electronics Engineers

Chemical Engineers

Mining Engineers

Geological Engineers

Petroleum Engineers

Aerospace Engineers

Computer Engineers

Other Professional Engineers, N.E.C.

Architects

Landscape Architects

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Information Systems Analysts and Consultants

Software Engineers

Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers

Web Designers and Developers

Applied Chemical Technologists and Technicians

Geological and Mineral Technologists and Technicians

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Forestry Technologists and Technicians

Landscape and Horticultural Technicians and Specialists

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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Construction Estimators

Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment)

Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics

Architectural Technologists and Technicians

Industrial Designers

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Survey Technologists and Technicians

Engineering Inspectors and Regulatory Officers

Inspectors in Public & Environmental Health & Occupational Health & Safety

Construction Inspectors

Air Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flying Instructors

Deck Officers, Water Transport

Engineer Officers, Water Transport

Computer and Network Operators and Web Technicians

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Specialist Physicians

General Practitioners and Family Physicians

Dentists

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Chiropractors

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Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

Physiotherapists

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Other Professional Occupations in Therapy and Assessment

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Midwives and Practitioners of Natural Healing

Other Technical Occupations in Therapy and Assessment

Nurse Aides and Orderlies

Other Aides and Assistants in Support of Health Services

SOCIAL SCIENCE, EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT SERVICE, RELIGION

Postsecondary Teaching and Research Assistants

College and Other Vocational Instructors

Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers

School and Guidance Counsellors

Psychologists

Family, Marriage and Other Related Counsellors

Ministers of Religion

Natural and Applied Science Policy Researchers and Consultants

Economic Development Officers and Marketing Researchers, Consultants

Health Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers

Recreation and Sports Program Supervisors and Consultants

Paralegal and Related Occupations

Community and Social Service Workers

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ART, CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORT

Writers

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Conductors, Composers and Arrangers

Musicians and Singers

Dancers

Actors and Comedians

Painters, Sculptors and Other Visual Artists

Photographers

Graphic Arts Technicians

Broadcast Technicians

Support & Assisting Occupations in Motion Pictures, Broadcasting & The Arts

Announcers and Other Broadcasters

Others Performers

Graphic Designers and Illustrating Artists

Interior Designers

Theatre, Fashion, Exhibit and Other Creative Designers

Artisans and Craftspersons

Patternmakers - Textile, Leather and Fur Products

Athletes

Coaches

Program Leaders and Instructors in Recreation and Sport

SALES AND SERVICE

Retail Trade Supervisors

Food Service Supervisors

Insurance Agents and Brokers

Real Estate Agents and Salespersons

Retail and Wholesale Buyers

Butchers and Meat Cutters, Retail and Wholesale

Hairstylists and Barbers

Retail Salespersons and Sales Clerks

Hotel Front Desk Clerks

Tour and Travel Guides

Outdoor Sport and Recreational Guides

Maîtres D'Hôtel and Hosts/Hostesses

Food and Beverage Servers

Other Protective Service Occupations

Visiting Homemakers, Housekeepers and Related Occupation

Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants

Babysitters, Nannies and Parents' Helpers

Image, Social and Other Personal Consultants

Pet Groomers and Animal Care Workers

Grocery Clerks and Shelf Stockers

Food Service Counter Attendants and Food Preparers

Light Duty Cleaners

Specialized Cleaners

Janitors, Caretakers and Building Superintendents

Other Attendants in accommodation and Travel (except Airline Travel)

TRADES, TRANSPORT AND EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

Supervisors, Machinists and Related Occupations

Contractors and Supervisors, Electrical Trades and Telecommunications

Contractors and Supervisors, Metal Forming, Shaping and Erecting Trades

Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades

Contractors and Supervisors, Mechanic Trades

Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews

Contractors and Supervisors, Other Construction Trades

Installers, Repairers and Servicers

Supervisors, Railway Transport Operations

Machinists and Machining and Tooling Inspectors

Industrial Electricians

Electrical Power Line and Cable Workers

Steamfitters, Pipefitters and Sprinkler System Installers

Gas Fitters

Sheet Metal Workers

Ironworkers

Welders

Carpenters

Cabinetmakers

Cement Finishers

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Plasterers, Drywall Installers and Finishers and Lathers

Roofers and Shinglers

Glaziers

Floor Covering Installers

Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics

Railway Carmen/Women

Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors

Machine Fitters

Elevator Constructors and Mechanics

Electrical Mechanics

Other Small Engine and Equipment Mechanics

Upholsterers

Tailors, Dressmakers, Furriers and Milliners

Jewellers, Watch Repairers and Related Occupations

Railway and Yard Locomotive Engineers

Railway Conductors and Brakemen/Women

Crane Operators

Drillers and Blasters - Surface Mining, Quarrying and Construction

Other Trades and Related Occupations

Truck Drivers

Taxi and Limousine Drivers and Chauffeurs

Delivery Drivers

Railway Yard Workers

Deck Crew, Water Transport

Engine Room Crew, Water Transport

Residential and Commercial Installers and Service

Other Repairers and Servicers

Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers

Other Trades Helpers and Labourers

UNIQUE TO PRIMARY INDUSTRY

Farmers and Farm Managers

Agricultural and Related Service Contractors and Managers

Farm Supervisors and Specialized Livestock Workers

Supervisors, Landscape and Horticulture

Aquaculture and Marine Harvest Labourers

UNIQUE TO PROCESSING, MANUFACTURING AND UTILITIES

Supervisors, Food, Beverage and Tobacco Processing

Central Control and Process Operators, Mineral and Metal Processing

Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters, Poultry Preparers and Related Workers

Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers

Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors and Testers

Boat Assemblers and Inspectors

Other Wood Products Assemblers and Inspectors

Furniture Finishers and Refinishers

Plastic Products Assemblers, Finishers and Inspector

Painters and Coaters, Manufacturing

Machining Tool Operators

Labourers in Textile Processing

Other Labourers in Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities

Q & A: THE NEW IMMIGRATION CHANGES

Why are MPs suddenly

talking about immigration?

The Conservative government inserted immigration changes in its Budget Implementation Act. The bill is a confidence issue that could trigger a federal election.

What are the new

immigration changes?

The changes would give the Immigration Minister broad powers to issue instructions to her department. Currently, the department must process every application in the order received. Processing takes time. Under the proposed new law, the minister could spell out which applications should be processed quickly. She would also have new powers to give instructions as to what type of applications should be rejected outright. The changes also remove an obligation on the minister to examine applications from people otherwise inadmissible on humanitarian or compassionate grounds.

Why is the government

doing this?

The backlog of immigration applications is now more than 900,000, of which about 600,000 are in the skilled-worker category. Skilled workers currently wait up to six years to get to Canada, which is frustrating for them and the Canadian firms who need workers. The government says the changes would allow the minister to issue instructions so that applicants whose skills match the needs of Canadian employers would be processed more quickly.

So, what are people

upset about?

The main concern is that the changes give open-ended powers to the Immigration Minister to give instructions to the department. The legislation does not say what those instructions would look like. They would be made public only after the bill is passed by Parliament through a notice in the Canada Gazette. Departmental officials say the instructions would be solely focused on fast-tracking skilled workers to meet demand, but critics say the law as worded could allow instructions that block the processing of applications based on country of origin, race or religion. There are also objections to the changes relating to mandatory review of humanitarian applications.

Why do critics say the government is trying to "sneak through" these measures?

Immigration changes of this sort would usually be presented in standalone legislation from the Immigration Minister, which would then be debated by MPs on the House of Commons immigration committee. Instead, the measures were included in the Finance Minister's budget bill without any major announcement by the government.

The budget bill was tabled in the House of Commons on the afternoon of March 14, just after the daily Question Period and hours before MPs went home to their ridings for a two-week Easter break.

Rather than going to the immigration committee, the legislation will be studied by MPs on the Commons finance committee, where the immigration section will be just one part of the entire budget package that they will be tasked to review.

The government says

immigration is up and

the opposition says it's down. What's going on?

The government has changed the way it communicates immigration figures. The minister issued a news release this month declaring, "Government of Canada admits highest number of newcomers in Canada's history" at 429,649. But that number includes temporary foreign workers and students. If those are removed, the number of permanent residents allowed into Canada in 2007 was 236,689, which is down from 251,649 in 2006 and 262,236 in 2005.

Labour unions have expressed concern that the numbers signal an increase in the use of temporary workers. They warn that temporary work visas are sometimes used by employers to bring in low-skilled foreign labour to work in conditions that Canadians would not accept.

Does this affect

applications related

to family reunification?

The government says the changes are focused on skilled workers and are not meant to affect family reunification. Concern has been expressed, however, that the removal of the ministerial requirement to examine applications from abroad on humanitarian grounds could have a negative effect on family reunification.

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