While cultural concerns around immigration cannot be dismissed, a considerable factor in many people’s desire for migration to be “managed” is around the economic impact immigrants have on their host community. As such, the successful integration in terms of finding work and contributing as quickly as possible are key issues to address.
Research from McMaster University explores how small and mid-sized towns in Canada manage it. The study focuses primarily on the city of Guelph, which has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada.
Ease of finding work
In-depth discussions with local service providers and employers in the city have revealed an interesting finding: individuals seeking employment can secure a job without much difficulty. However, the research indicates that the available job opportunities are predominantly low-skilled and less appealing to the highly educated and skilled immigrants who are typically admitted to Canada on an annual basis.
The nature of employment in small and mid-sized cities is heavily influenced by the local industries, which tend to vary across different regions. For instance, Guelph thrives on manufacturing, Brandon, Man., relies on wheat production, Prince George, B.C., is centered around forestry, and Pictou County, N.S., focuses on mining.
While there may be a considerable number of job openings, the sectors and geographical locations of these jobs may not align with the skills, qualifications, and work preferences of newcomers to Canada. One approach to bridging this gap involves implementing regional economic immigration programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Local labor requirements
Under the PNP, provinces and territories are empowered to select a specific number of immigrants who can address their local labor market requirements. In 2023, nearly a quarter of the projected immigrant intake is allocated to the PNPs.
Applicants applying to the PNPs receive higher points for in-demand occupations and are nominated for permanent residence by the respective province or territory. As part of the program, immigrants must express their intention to work and settle in the designated province.
The effectiveness of the PNPs has been assessed over time, and the prospects for participating immigrants appear promising. However, cities face the challenge of retaining newcomers once they have arrived.
Meaningful opportunities
Studies indicate that communities offering meaningful employment opportunities have greater success in attracting immigrants. To support the integration of skilled newcomers, it is crucial to implement integration policies and ensure that the settlement sector, adequately funded, can keep pace with the influx of newcomers across all cities, regardless of their size.
Moreover, governments must prioritize investments in essential infrastructure, including housing, and enhance the capacity of healthcare services.
Smaller urban communities can contribute to alleviating the strain on densely populated regions, and by aligning policies with the reality on the ground, the employment experiences of immigrants can improve gradually over time.
