Canada actively seeks out highly skilled immigrants as a means of maintaining population levels due to our low birth rate, aging population and labour market demands. Immigration accounts for more than half of Canada’s population growth and approximately three-quarters of our labour market growth. Statistics Canada predicts that by the year 2011, immigrants will supply 100% of Canada’s net labour market growth.

Unfortunately, once in Canada, internationally trained individuals encounter a complex and broad range of barriers to their labour force participation. For some, the transition into careers and positions that match their training and skills never occurs. The research continues to demonstrate that today’s newcomers face significant obstacles and are faring worse than their predecessors based on their source country. Research by Galabuzi and Teelucksingh reveals that this discrimination and racism not only affects parents of new immigrants, but also is also affecting second and third generation racialized groups born in Canada.

For new many immigrants matching there skills, experience and certification to the Canadian job market can be one of the most challenging aspects of life in Canada. Lack of Canadian specific work experiences often a significant barrier to employment - even in industries actively looking for employees. In response many 'Bridging Programs' have been developed to help newcomers upgrade their occupation related language skills (English or French), develop skills to match Canadian standards, learn about the local job market, and in some programs get Canadian work experience.