Amid widespread labor shortages, Canadian provinces are not only competing with other countries but also among themselves to attract and retain skilled immigrants. This trend was highlighted by Catherine Xhardez, a political science professor at Université de Montréal, during the Forum sur l’intégration 2024. Her study, published in the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, explores the dynamics of these inter-provincial competitions and the challenges they face.
The Use of Provincial Nominee Programs
Provinces in Canada utilize Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to select a significant portion of their skilled immigrants. These programs allow provinces to tailor their selection criteria to meet local economic needs. In some cases, up to 90% of a province’s economic immigrants are selected through the PNP. However, retaining these immigrants poses a major challenge due to the freedom of movement guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Increasing Immigration Powers
Historically, Quebec was the first province to gain increased powers over immigration. Other provinces have since followed suit through bilateral agreements with the federal government, giving them significant autonomy, particularly in economic immigration. According to Xhardez, “Of all the federated entities in the world, Canada’s provinces have the greatest say in immigration matters.” This autonomy has led provinces to develop comprehensive policies for attracting, recruiting, selecting, and integrating immigrants.
Retention Rates Vary
Xhardez’s study, which reviewed provincial documents from 2005 to 2022 and 63 economic immigration programs, shows significant differences in immigrant retention rates across provinces. British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta lead with retention rates of 86%, 85%, and 83% respectively. In contrast, some Atlantic provinces struggle: New Brunswick retains 50%, Newfoundland and Labrador 46%, and Prince Edward Island only 31%.
Strategies for Retention
To improve retention, provinces have developed specific criteria within their PNPs:
Adaptability Factors: Preference for applicants with existing family, professional, or educational ties to the province.
Demonstrated Intent and Ability to Settle: Some provinces, like Manitoba, require proof of ties to the local community.
Detailed Settlement Plans: Applicants may need to provide a comprehensive integration plan.
Exclusion Criteria: Candidates may be excluded if they reside in or own property in another province.
Xhardez notes that these criteria aim to select not just skilled immigrants but also those who show a strong commitment to staying in the province.
Financial and Societal Challenges
Provinces invest significantly in attracting and integrating immigrants, making retention critical. The loss of immigrants to other provinces represents a financial and effort-based net loss. Additionally, these retention strategies highlight the balance needed between provincial economic needs and immigrants’ rights to mobility. The long-term integration and sense of belonging of immigrants are essential for the success of these policies.
Future Implications
As competition for talent intensifies, Canadian provinces will continue to refine their strategies. The effectiveness of these policies and their impact on demographic and economic distribution will remain key areas of study and debate in the future. The competition among Canadian provinces for economic immigrants underscores the broader challenges and opportunities within immigration policy. The strategies developed to attract and retain skilled immigrants reflect a dynamic interplay between economic needs and individual rights, shaping the future of Canada’s demographic and economic landscape.
Leave a Reply