It is genuinely a complex question to answer, Mr. Chair, because provinces are looking for different things. For example, some provinces don't select low- and middle-skilled workers at all. Other provinces, keenly aware of labour shortages in those areas, are very open to selecting low- and semi-skilled workers because of their local labour shortages. From an objective point of view, that might be defined as a lower standard. The province might argue otherwise: those persons will make a dynamic contribution to their economy and will meet specific needs. Another province may have a program that is heavily reliant on community and employer engagement so that they can ensure retention. They might feel that the standards of the individuals they are bringing in is one element. The welcome they receive and the ability to integrate are other elements. They are focused on retention and community-building. Here I think particularly of the extremely successful program, from a retention and economic participation point of view, of Manitoba, which is the largest and earliest of the big provincial nominee programs.
On December 1st, 2011. See this statement in context.