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Jobs of the Future: Feds expand skilled refugee program

Expansion of pilot program will bring in 2,000 skilled refugees to fill labour shortages in high-demand sectors like health care and the trades
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The federal government announced earlier this month that it is expanding the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) program that brings in skilled refugees to fill jobs in high-demand sectors.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser said in a news release that in the coming years, Canada would work with employers and communities across the country to expand the pilot program and welcome 2,000 skilled refugees to fill specific labour shortages in high-demand sectors, such as health care, skilled trades and information technology.

“Resettlement provides refugees with the opportunity to live in safety and rebuild their lives, but it shouldn’t mean their career experience gets overlooked in the process,” Fraser said in a news release. “Through this groundbreaking program, our government is highlighting skilled refugees’ professional achievements by allowing them to continue their career in Canada, while giving employers access to a pool of global talent.”

The program connects skilled workers overseas with employers in Canada who need to fill critical job shortages. 

“Once candidates receive a job offer, they can apply to immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs, using EMPP measures that remove barriers refugees may experience due to their displacement,” the federal government press release states.

To make it easier for qualified candidates to apply a new and more flexible process has been rolled out so the partner agencies that liaise between candidates and employers will be able to directly refer and support candidates.

The federal government is also providing $6.2 million to help fund six projects by pilot program partner organizations to build the capacity in identifying qualified candidates overseas, and supporting candidates and employers throughout the interview, hiring, and immigration processes.