I'd just like to add that some policies create additional barriers that reduce productivity. When we're looking at our skilled immigrants, for example, the policies established by the regulatory bodies and trade associations mean that in some instances folks have to go back right to the high school level when the different kinds of assessments that should be done aren't being done, and it can take someone four years to requalify through the process.
Another challenge the federal government could play a role in is working with local governments. Here in Manitoba we have shortages in the health care field of nurses and doctors. We have a provincial government that's closing bridging programs. I have now a wait list of internationally trained nurses who were actively recruited here to work in this field, and now they can't even access the education they require to do so.
I would encourage the government to look to work collaboratively with provinces and regulatory bodies around the policies that are creating barriers.