The occupations set out were very carefully calibrated against labour market information. We had to find that balance between recognizing the occupations that were absolutely essential and critical over the course of the pandemic and recognizing that people who were already employed would be able to apply. At the same time, we wanted to assure Canadians who have been hard hit with unemployment rates across the country over the course of the pandemic that this wouldn't be a displacement, but, in fact, a reinforcement. That's the very careful balance that went into the thinking behind this measure.
On May 12th, 2021. See this statement in context.