Ontario launches new skills stream

Ontario will help employers in the province’s booming construction and agriculture sectors find and retain the workers they need, through a new In-Demand Skills Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

“Ontario’s economic growth depends on attracting immigrants with the right skills to fill our labour market needs so that our employers and communities can thrive and excel,” said Laura Albanese, Ontario’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “The new In-Demand Skills Stream under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program will put these talents where they are needed and support Ontario’s booming construction and agriculture industries.”

This enhancement to the OINP is a pilot project based on labour market needs and input from trade unions, employers and other key stakeholders. The province will closely monitor the pilot and make adjustments as necessary to ensure it meets the needs of employers.

This stream is based on National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, and is restricted to seven specific in-demand occupations in the agriculture and construction sectors. The province may consider labour-recruitment challenges from other sectors for future program enhancements.

Attracting newcomers to help employers meet their labour market needs is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives.

Between 2007 to 2015, over 3,500 job vacancies in Ontario were filled through the OINP, benefiting over 260 businesses. Ontario’s federal nomination allocation has increased from 2,500 in 2014 to 6,000 in 2017.

All applications for the In-Demand Skills Stream must be submitted online.

Article published 17th August 2017