James Metcalfe – Pace Immigration: Citizenship and Immigration Canada released a media backgrounder on the Federal Skilled Worker Program which will come into effect on May 4 this year. It lists the 24 occupational groups that will be accepted, with a cap of 300 on each occupation. There is also information for occupations that require licensing.

This system is not dissimilar to pre-2002. While I cannot speak to the specifics of the list, I have to wonder what was the basis for the decisions. Were industry groups and professional societies consulted? What are the workforce shortages, and where are they in Canada? Where are the economists’ reports, and where is their analysis?

It may be useful for prospective immigrants to Canada to have the information as to where the demand exists, and for how long the demand will last.