On March 11, 2020, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Monte McNaughton announced a shortage of skilled labour in the Province, calling for The Canadian Federal Government to increase its allocation of nominations for Skilled Workers. Under the Ontario Provincial Immigrant Nominee Program (“OINP”), under 7000 nominations are available. The Ministry has asked the Federal Government to double the annual allocation to 13,300 slots by 2022. In 2019, the slot was increased by a total of 50 positions.

As Ontario’s economy continues to grow, more jobs must be created, but with a shortage of workers necessary to foster the economy, the Province must look to foreign workers. The quickest fastest way to fill the labour shortage problem in Ontario is to bring in foreign workers who already have the skills and experience needed, including technology and construction sectors. What is astonishing is the Ontario is the most populous Province; but the Federal Government has only allocated 15% to economic immigration, while the other Provinces are around 40%. Even International students attending school in Ontario, have a reduced chance of immigrating through the OINP International Student pathway compared the other Provincial Student pathways. The pathway, which was closed, opened briefly the first week of March, but was closed within hours.

It is obvious that Ontario needs greater assistance from the Federal government to increase its workforce needs; Ontario’s economic prosperity depends on it.