Economic experts in Saskatchewan are urging officials to look to India as a potential source for the skilled labour it will increasingly need in the coming years.
“What we really need is a proactive Indian strategy,” said John Hopkins, head of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce. “India has 1.2 billion people – many who are highly skilled and salivating about coming to a country like Canada.”
Economists are concerned that Saskatchewan’s continuing economic boom, coupled with the imminent baby-boomer generation’s retirement will leave a large gap in the workforce that Indian immigration could address. In particular, their English language skills make Indian citizens desirable workers for Canada. Hopkins says that discrepancies in education could easily be addressed with upgrading programs set up in both countries.
Other solutions touted by the Chamber include increased engagement of First Nations’ communities and intensifying recruitment efforts toward both youth and residents of other Canadian province.
Source: Regina Leader-Post