CME ASKS FOR MORE IMMIGRANTS AND SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURES

OECD REPORT ON CANADIAN IMMIGRATION

OTTAWA (August 14, 2019) – According to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), one out of five people in Canada is foreign-born, one of the highest percentages in the OECD. Considering the labor shortage, these workers represent a key factor to the growth of the manufacturing sector.

“Canadian manufacturers are experiencing severe labour shortages. Two-thirds of manufacturers have trouble finding workers today and 3 out 4 expect the problem will get worse in the next five years. This situation is affecting their growth and has an impact on their investment projects. Welcoming more immigrants and simplifying procedures is essential to solve this problem” said Dennis Darby, President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.

“We agree with the OECD that our immigration system is world-class. However, we need to simplify procedures for manufactures and ensure that a larger proportion of immigrants find their way to good jobs in manufacturing. For example, labour-market assessments are burdensome and costly for employers,,” added Darby.

According to a poll conducted on behalf of CME across Canada, 71 per cent of Canadians support revising immigration policies to prioritize welcoming immigrants who could help manufacturers solve their labour shortages.”

ABOUT CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS & EXPORTERS

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) advocates for and represents 2,500 leading manufacturers that operate across Canada. Manufacturing moves Canada and is the engine of the economy. Canadian manufacturers collectively employ 1.7 million Canadians and is responsible for two-thirds of Canada’s export sales. The sector is growing rapidly. In 2018, the sector reached a new all-time high of $685 billion in sales. CME advocates policies that will allow Canadian manufacturers to compete effectively in the global economy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Stefi Proulx

Director of Communications

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters

C:  613-292-6070 | stefi.proulx@cme-mec.ca | @CME_MEC