The preference was attributed to Canada’s robust healthcare system, attractive employee benefits, and thriving job market.
The preference was attributed to Canada’s robust healthcare system, attractive employee benefits, and thriving job market.
Canada has emerged as the world’s most coveted work destination, surpassing other nations by a significant margin, according to a recent survey conducted by British company Givetastic.
According to Givetastic’s study via CIC News, the average monthly search volume for keywords like “jobs” and “work” in 164 countries positioned Canada as the leading choice for employment globally. A noteworthy 56 countries, comprising 34.1 percent of the world, identified Canada as their top work destination.
This preference was attributed to Canada’s robust healthcare system, attractive employee benefits, and thriving job market.
Top dream work destinations
Aside from Canada, other top dream work destinations include Germany in 13 countries, Qatar in 11, the U.K. in 8, and Switzerland and Australia in 7 each. Spain and the U.S. follow closely with 6 countries each, while Malta boasts 5, and Niger and Portugal each have 4.
The study extended its focus to cities, states, and regions, highlighting Quebec’s global appeal as a prime location for work-related emigration. While Dubai secured the top spot in Google search volume, Quebec emerged as a strong competitor, ranking as the number one search destination in 28 out of 150 countries.
Canada’s allure for diverse nations
The research also highlighted why Canada is a top choice for work among diverse nations like Bangladesh, Chile, Ecuador, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. Canada’s attractiveness stems from its high standard of living, offering universal healthcare and world-class educational institutions.
Moreover, Canada is recognized for its safety, low crime rate, and welcoming environment for immigrants and their families. The country’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respect for all cultures fosters an environment where immigrants can seamlessly integrate into Canadian society.
Canada’s dedication to a diverse workforce is evident through various immigration streams, sponsorship opportunities, and work and study permit programs.
Key immigration programs, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Provincial Nominee Programs, granted permanent residency to over 437,000 foreigners in 2022.
Programs, initiatives
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a collaborative effort between Employment and Social Development Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. This initiative empowers Canadian employers to address authentic labor shortages by enabling them to recruit internationally. Simultaneously, the program ensures that Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given the primary opportunity to apply for available job positions.
The Provincial Nominee Program, launched in 1998, stands as the primary avenue for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. Operating in almost every province and territory, the PNP aims to attract skilled workers globally, contributing to the economic development of these regions. Per Canada’s Constitution, both the federal government and individual provinces and territories share the responsibility of managing the country’s immigration system.
Under the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate individuals interested in immigrating to Canada and settling in a specific region. Notable exceptions to this program include the Northern Canada territory of Nunavut and Quebec. Quebec, instead, possesses the authority to establish its selection criteria for economic immigration.
Immigration targets
Canada has unveiled its Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026, maintaining current targets. The plan aims to admit 485,000 new immigrants in 2024 and 500,000 annually in 2025 and 2026.
“These immigration levels will help set the pace of Canada’s economic and population growth while moderating its impact on critical systems such as infrastructure and housing,” Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said in a report via CTV News.
Specific targets include 58-60 percent for the economic class, 24 percent for the family class, and 16-19 percent for humanitarian admissions.
Program-specific targets include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, sponsorship programs, and Parents and Grandparents Program.
The plan aims to balance economic and population growth, stabilize at 500,000 permanent residents from 2026, and address infrastructure and housing concerns.
Revamping the immigration system
Canada is also overhauling its immigration system with the “An Immigration System for Canada’s Future” strategy.
Miller’s plan focuses on aligning immigration with labor needs, modernizing applications, and promoting francophone immigration.
The strategy aims for a welcoming experience, aligning immigration with the job market, and developing a growth plan. Initiatives include the Digital Platform Modernization for a user-friendly process, identifying skills, appointing a Chief International Talent Officer, and addressing affordability and housing challenges.
The strategy also prioritizes national and regional programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program and explores coordinated plans for housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Miller also emphasized the focus on trades and skilled workers in construction while addressing system challenges.
