Maple News reports that immigrants and international students will play a pivotal role in Canada’s economic revival, as the country continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With labour shortages intensified and a rapidly aging population, welcoming newcomers is more critical than ever.
According to a recent publication by Colleges and Institutes Canada, local educational institutions are well-positioned to support new immigrants and Canadians alike in gaining the skills necessary to integrate quickly into the labour market. These institutions offer flexible training, including short-term programs and micro-credentials tailored to evolving industry needs.
Even amid global travel restrictions imposed in March 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continued processing permanent residency applications. Regular Express Entry draws persisted, underscoring Canada’s commitment to attracting top global talent. Notably, international students were exempt from many travel restrictions and could still apply for study permits — a clear indication of their value to Canada’s future economic landscape.
Small businesses and Canadian employers are expected to benefit significantly from a safe reopening of borders to both permanent residents and international students. These groups bring fresh skills and workforce adaptability, addressing acute gaps across various sectors. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), many labour shortages exist in positions requiring a college diploma or apprenticeship, and immigrants have historically helped fill these roles.
The demand for skilled immigrants isn’t a product of the pandemic alone — Canada has long aimed to boost immigration numbers to counterbalance demographic challenges. The COVID-19 crisis only underscored how essential newcomers are to sustaining and strengthening the nation’s economy.
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2021–2023 outlines a target of welcoming over 400,000 new permanent residents annually, with around 60% expected to arrive under economic class immigration programs. Skilled workers have multiple avenues for immigration, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class — all accessible via the Express Entry system.
Ultimately, newcomers are not just filling job vacancies, but also contributing to building a more resilient, innovative, and inclusive economy. Through strong immigration policies and targeted training programs, Canada is setting the foundation for a sustainable post-pandemic recovery.