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Newfoundland seeks skilled migrants
With the highest unemployment rate in Canada and an ageing population, Newfoundland and Labrador is becoming ever reliant on immigrants to fill skill shortages in the province.
Emigrate Canada caught up with Nellie Burke of Newfoundland's Immigration Policy and Planning department to find out what trades are particularly in need there, and why immigrants should at least consider settling in the province
Emigrate Canada: Is there a shortage of skilled workers in your province at the moment? If so, just how severe is this shortage?
NB: Yes. Currently there is a shortage of skilled workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. The level of severity is dependent on the sector facing the shortage.
EC: Which industries are particularly in need of workers at the moment?
NB: The Labour Market Division of the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment have provided us with the following information:
Health Care
Skills shortages are anticipated as a result of increasing demand and an ageing workforce. A nursing shortage is expected by the year 2010 due to impending retirements. There are also shortages in a number of highly skilled and specialised health occupations (for example, clinical psychologists, oncologists, and pharmacists).
Oil and Gas
This sector is experiencing shortages in highly specialised positions where only a small number of workers are required (only 100 specialised workers are needed worldwide) and there are limitations in terms of the capacity for local training. The North Atlantic Refinery requires highly skilled chemical and electrical engineers with five to eight years experience.
Mining
The mining sector is facing shortages both nationally and locally, and this trend is expected to continue. The Iron Ore Company of Canada estimates that 60 per cent of its workforce will be eligible for retirement in the next three to five years. At the same time, the company is looking to expand. It is expected that 300 to 400 workers will be required over the next several years to meet these emerging demands. There is also a need for experienced workers with specialised skills in the mining sector, especially skills related to underground work.
Skilled Trades
Skills shortages in the industrial trades are increasing. Heightened recruitment from post-secondary institutions is an indicator of this trend. Public colleges have received calls from employers in the oil and gas, mining and hydro-electricity sectors looking to recruit students prior to graduation. An increase in the recruitment of electronics graduates was also reported. There are skill shortages across all construction trades, although there are variations within the construction industry. While new residential construction is slowing down, demand for workers in renovation and non-residential construction is increasing. Skill shortages are also evident in other trades, including
millwrights, power engineers, hairdressers, cooks and workers skilled in food preparation.
Marine Industry
In a recent study on deck officers, marine engineers and other marine careers, it was reported that 46,000 workers will be needed globally in the next five to ten years, 2,000 in this province.
Highly Skilled Workers
There is a general shortage of workers with higher-level technological skills, such as those required for programming and management of the information technology environment, as well as the aerospace industry.
Human Resources
Skills shortages are also evident in human resources management occupations. There is a need for highly skilled people who can develop and implement effective recruitment and retention strategies, and this demand will increase. Wages for these positions are rising, a further indication of the increased value of their work in the face of worker shortages in many industries.
Retail and Food Services
The retail industry is one of the key industries experiencing hard-to-fill vacancies, mostly in sales and service occupations. In some areas, labour shortages have forced delays in opening new businesses and reduced the hours of operation for others.
EC: Do you actively look to attract immigrants to fill gaps in the workforce? Are there any programmes a migrant should look into? If so, what are they?
NB: On 21st March 2007, the Government of Newfoundland Labrador launched its immigration strategy with the objective of significantly increasing the attraction and retention of immigrants to the province. As a result, an Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will be established. Over the coming months, staff will be recruited to implement the various goals of the strategy. Further information on the new Provincial Immigration Strategy is available at Provincial Immigration Strategy.
The Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) seeks to recruit immigrants who have specialised occupational or entrepreneurial skills. Through an agreement with the Government of Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador may nominate immigrants, who can contribute to the economic and social goals of the province, for permanent resident status. Nominees must settle in Newfoundland and Labrador and have sufficient ability to communicate in either English or French. Depending upon the programme category in which an application is submitted, specific financial and other criteria will apply.
Further information is available at Provincial Nominee Program.
EC: How do pay and holiday conditions in your province compare to the rest of Canada?
NB: Salary and holiday conditions in the province will depend on the sector and the type of work involved. Wages are comparable in some sectors and lower in others. However, the cost of living, particularly for real estate, is among the lowest in Canada.
As for holidays, employees of the provincial government are entitled to 13 statutory holidays, compared to 11 in most other provinces. The province also boasts a very low crime rate, short commutes to work, a safe and clean environment, access to nature, spectacular scenery and welcoming people. Many immigrants describe it as the 'best place in the world to raise a family.'
EC: Is there any advice you would give to an immigrant looking for work in your province?
NB: The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will be happy to assist anyone in this regard. In addition, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be launching an interactive labour market information portal in April 2007 that will provide access to complete and up-to-date career resources available in the province.
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