Skilled labour shortage damaging economy

Canada is a country which is increasingly becoming the dream destination for many people willing to start a new, fresh life abroad. Although the Canadian government is desperate in its bid to attract the right kind of skilled labour, a recent report showed that these shortages are having damaging effects on the country’s economy.

In recent years, the labour shortages of Canada have emerged as a serious problem due to an aging population. Many key industries in Canada are forced to turn away work due to lack of workforce.

Many feel that this effect on the Canadian effect economy is being sidelined, as the country is definitely struggling with immigration issues such as the huge backlog of visa applications. However, following the forthcoming federal elections, a coalition of business, labour, education, and health group have rallied publicity so that the issue gets the required attention.

Speaking of the issues which they feel that the Canadian government needs to step up to, the coalition said that changes are required in policies governing immigration and the also the employment insurance system. They also highlighted the need to have more funding on apprenticeship training and post-secondary education.

Paul Charette, the Chairman of the Canadian Construction Association said that the shortage of skilled worker is crippling the economy of the country. He said that in his industry alone, there will be a need of more than 260,000 new workers in the next eight years.

The key industries which are feeling the pressure of this declining labour force are construction, technology and manufacturing. At least 40 percent of the firms are forced to restrict their work.