Will changes to immigration policy help employers fill vacant jobs and be of net benefit to Canada?

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TORONTO, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - The federal government is proposing sweeping changes to the immigration system, including elevating the role of employers in selecting new Canadians.  Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is advocating for a system that would emphasize language skills, youth and a new economic stream for trades people, who are frequently overlooked. Some of the proposed changes to the Canadian system are based on an Australian model that includes pre-assessment of skills, which determines if candidates match available jobs.

Rowan O'Grady, President of Hays Canada, a national recruitment consultancy, is available to comment on how these changes will affect employment in Canada. He can speak to a number of related issues including:

• How giving more priority to employers in determining who qualifies for entry into Canada, and the proposed "expression of interest" program will help fill vacant roles. The current system creates an imbalance between who Canada approves and realistic job prospects -meaningful change can help address this.
• Why including trades people can help, but not if Canada devalues the role of educated, high-income skilled candidates who play a significant role in spurring economic activity. Canada is experiencing a high-income skills labour shortage, and must do more to ensure we are successful in competing for the global war for talent.
• How the Australian model works, and why implementing some of their policies can help improve access to skilled candidates.

About Hays Canada:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hays plc, which has been at the forefront of the global recruitment industry for over 35 years. Hays is a leader in specialist recruitment in Canada and Australia. With annual revenues of over £2.1 billion, Hays Specialist Recruitment is the largest specialist recruitment consultancy in the world.

To arrange an interview please contact:
Kieran Lawler
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Direct: 416-342-1823
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