Human Resources Committee on May 11th, 2016

Evidence of meeting #11 for Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was worker.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Paul Thompson Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Skills and Employment Branch, Department of Employment and Social Development

David Manicom Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic and Program Policy, Department of Citizenship and Immigration

Janet Goulding Director General, Governance, Policy Coordination and Planning, Department of Industry

4:45 p.m.

Liberal

Ramesh Sangha Liberal Brampton Centre, ON

I feel that, number one, when they apply for the category under which they have gained education, sometimes their application is turned back. They are told that their trade is not eligible to apply. That obstacle is there—

May 11th, 2016 / 4:45 p.m.

Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic and Program Policy, Department of Citizenship and Immigration

David Manicom

I would have to see individual cases, sir, but certainly the approval rate in express entry for international students who apply is very high. We would have to look at explicit cases to see whether an error has been made or whether the individual is indeed not eligible.

4:45 p.m.

Liberal

Ramesh Sangha Liberal Brampton Centre, ON

Okay.

Another thing is, when these people apply for permanent residence, do they still have to get a labour market opinion, or not? Is that still required for them?

4:45 p.m.

Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic and Program Policy, Department of Citizenship and Immigration

David Manicom

It depends on which program they are applying under. Under many provincial nominee programs, there is no such requirement. Under the express entry system, a labour market opinion-approved job offer gives you additional points, so it is helpful. It is not a requirement, and an increasing percentage of those who qualify under express entry do not have a labour market opinion-supported job offer.

The system is designed to benefit those with the labour market attachment, but many qualify without it. It is a points-based system, and you do get more points for an LMIA job offer.

4:45 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Bryan May

We'll cut it there, Mr. Sangha. You had a couple of seconds left, but not nearly enough time to legitimately ask a question.

I really do apologize. We have to hustle.

We have a few seconds before we have to run, and I want to take that time to thank you for coming. I agree with Ms. Ashton that this was not nearly enough time to have a full discussion on this issue, and I think we'll have a conversation at a different time and possibly bring you back, if you would be available to do that.

Thank you, everybody, for your accommodation. We have to move, so thank you very much.

The meeting is adjourned.