2024 consultations on economic priorities for category-based selection in Express Entry

Contents

• Overview and context
• Consultation process
• Who we heard from
• What we heard
• Learning from the process
• Next steps
• Annexes
  • Annex A: Online survey
  • Annex B: Supplementary information
  • Annex C: Participating organizations

Overview and context

Our immigration system plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and building a stronger future for Canada, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is dedicated to ensuring the system remains adaptable and responsive to the needs of the country.

In 2023, we introduced category-based selection in Express Entry, the online system used to manage immigration applications from skilled workers. This allows for the selection of immigrants based on specific criteria such as work experience, education, or language proficiency. These “categories” are designed to align with identified economic priorities and are regularly reviewed to ensure their continued relevance and to address any emerging gaps.

The review process involves extensive consultations with a diverse range of stakeholders and partners, provinces and territories, as well as the public. Feedback from these consultations helps determine how category-based selection can best address Canada’s economic and labour market priorities year after year.

Consultation process

Before the Minister establishes a new category in Express Entry, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act requires them to gather feedback from provincial and territorial representatives, as well as members of industry, unions, employers, workers, worker advocacy groups, settlement provider organizations and immigration researchers and practitioners.

In 2024, IRCC launched an online survey on proposed economic priorities and categories for category-based selection in Express Entry in 2025. The online survey (see Annex A) was launched on June 27, 2024, and remained open until July 28, 2024. Through a dedicated website page – archived, IRCC provided background information on category-based selection, a high-level description of the 3 proposed economic priorities and associated categories for 2025, and the role of public consultations in the process of establishing those priorities and categories.

We also invited provincial and territorial counterparts to provide written input on potential economic priorities, needs and categories. This request was part of broader and ongoing collaboration between the federal government and provinces and territories through the Forum of Ministers Responsible for Immigration.

The findings summarized in this report only reflect the views of stakeholders, partners and members of the public who shared their feedback via the online survey or by sending written contributions to the department. Results should not be interpreted as being representative of the entire Canadian population, specific regions, or of all IRCC stakeholders and partners.

Percentages have been rounded to the first decimal point, and respondents may have selected more than one response option; totals may not add up to 100 as a result. In addition, the survey included a number of follow-up questions that were only asked if specific response options were chosen earlier in the survey; in such cases, the percentages presented in this report were based on the number of respondents who saw these questions, rather than the total number of respondents. Annex B provides complete data for survey responses that are not covered or only partially covered in this report.

In 2024, IRCC asked Canadians to share their views on 3 economic priorities and areas of focus for category-based selection in Express Entry in 2025

Who we heard from

What we heard

On our proposed economic priorities

We asked respondents to share their thoughts on the 3 economic priorities under consideration for category-based selection in Express Entry in 2025, and indicate to what extent they supported these priorities.

Text version

	A lot of support	Some support	Little or no support	Don’t know/Not sure
Addressing structural labour market shortages	46.8%	16.7%	32.7%	3.8%
Addressing emerging labour needs	43.3%	21.0%	32.5%	3.2%
Supporting Francophone immigration	19.1%	20.4%	50.6%	9.9%

Addressing structural labour market shortages and emerging labour needs were the top economic priorities for a majority of respondents, and each received similar levels of support. Qualitative responses from survey participants echoed this consensus.

Here’s a summary of the comments we received:

Some comments expressing negative sentiments towards immigration were submitted in response to the survey. While some expressed broad negativity toward immigration, others were more nuanced. These perspectives often reflected concerns about the perceived impact of population growth on Canada’s economy, particularly regarding housing and employment challenges.

On existing (2024) categories

We asked respondents to share their thoughts on possible categories for 2025. Participants were first asked to indicate the extent to which they thought category-based selection should continue to focus selection on existing (2024) categories in 2025.

Text version

	Great need	Average need	Little need	No need at this time	Don’t know/Not sure
Agriculture and agri-food	25.0%	26.8%	9.0%	27.7%	11.5%
Healthcare	55.8%	12.7%	5.6%	21.0%	5.0%
STEM	32.4%	22.9%	9.6%	28.7%	6.4%
Trades	38.8%	18.1%	9.6%	26.8%	6.7%
Transport	18.8%	24.7%	9.6%	35.4%	11.5%
French-language proficiency	14.6%	15.9%	18.3%	40.7%	10.6%

• More respondents indicated that there was a “great need” for 2025 categories to focus on healthcare (55.8%), trades (38.8%), and STEM (32.4%), compared to other categories. The lower proportion of respondents who chose “don’t know” for these 3 categories provides more confidence in these findings.
• Fewer respondents indicated that there was a “great need” for 2025 categories to focus on French-language proficiency (14.6%) and transport (18.8%). The proportion of respondents who indicated that there was a “great need” for 2025 categories to focus on agriculture and agri-food (25.0%) was slightly higher than transport, but there was an overall larger proportion of respondents who thought there was either a “great need” or “average need” for this category.
• 18.9% respondents indicated that there was “no need” for category-based selection to address any of the labour shortages covered in these categories.

Qualitative input provided additional insights on the need for existing categories to continue in 2025.

Here’s a summary of the comments we received:

Healthcare

Open-ended survey responses emphasized the importance of prioritizing healthcare professionals more than other categories. Specific occupations mentioned included physicians, family doctors, general practitioners, specialists, emergency room staff, and healthcare support roles. Pharmacists were also noted, despite being currently ineligible for selection under the healthcare category.

Trades

Responses highlighted the need for skilled tradespeople and construction workers, particularly to address the ongoing housing crisis.

Transport

The maritime industry was frequently mentioned in relation to transport, although its occupations are not currently included in the transport category.

STEM

Some responses underscored the demand for STEM professionals, such as software engineers, statisticians, programmers, researchers in science and technology, data management specialists, and IT professionals. However, others pointed out that certain STEM fields are oversaturated, with a surplus of qualified candidates competing for a limited number of positions.

On possible new categories

We asked respondents to indicate the extent to which they thought category-based selection should focus selection on new categories that are under consideration for 2025. Additional questions further explored categories that would support a focus on emerging labour needs as well as labour shortages experienced in the education sector.

Text version

	Great need	Average need	Little need	No need at this time	Don’t know/Not sure
Education	28.4%	19.6%	9.3%	34.0%	8.8%
New technologies	27.3%	22.9%	9.0%	31.1%	9.8%
Applied Sciences	24.2%	24.2%	9.8%	30.3%	11.5%
Natural resources	22.8%	25.6%	8.5%	31.4%	11.7%

• Proportions of respondents indicating either a “great need” or “average need” for all proposed new categories or areas of focus ranged from 48.3% to 50.1%, which surpassed the corresponding figures for existing categories such as transport (43.4%) and French-language proficiency (30.4%). However, 29.0% of respondents indicated “no need” for category-based selection to address any of the 3 emerging labour needs areas.
• Survey results highlighted stronger support for prioritizing education in category-based selection for 2025. Among respondents, those working in the education sector were more likely to identify a “great need” for an education category: nearly 50% of the 100 respondents who identified education as their primary sector of work chose that option, compared to 24% of respondents outside the sector.

On labour shortages experienced in education

The survey also explored specific labour needs in the education sector that could be addressed through category-based selection in Express Entry. Respondents who identified a “great need” for an education category were asked to specify the relevant National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes for areas experiencing shortages, and the ideal linguistic profiles for workers in these areas.

Text version

	% of total respondents
Early childhood educators and assistants	75.1%
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers	47.4%
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants	41.2%
Instructors of persons with disabilities	38.4%
Secondary school teachers	31.7%
Educational counsellors	22.6%
Other	9.0%
Don’t know	7.3%

A significant majority (92.5%) selected at least one relevant NOC code. “Other” responses received predominantly referred to roles in post-secondary education, such as university professors and post-secondary teaching and research assistants. The most frequently selected linguistic profiles for workers needed to fill shortages in the education sector were English speakers (35%) and all language groups (39.5%), including English, French, and bilingual speakers.

Other areas of focus proposed by respondents for category-based selection

Open-ended survey feedback suggested potential new areas for category-based selection, including hospitality and tourism and artificial intelligence, to address evolving labour market demands.

On focusing selection on skilled workers inside or outside Canada

Respondents who indicated a “great” or “average” need for at least one category related to labour market shortages or emerging labour needs were asked whether they favoured focusing selection efforts on temporary residents already in Canada, such as former international students and temporary foreign workers, or on bringing in new skilled workers from outside Canada to address these needs.

Text version

	Structural labour shortages	Emerging labour needs
Skilled workers already in Canada	49.6%	44.3%
A roughly equal mix of skilled workers already in, and outside, Canada	22.2%	35.7%
New skilled workers outside Canada	9.4%	9.1%
It depends on the category	17.8%	9.7%

• For both labour market shortages and emerging labour needs, the most popular response was to prioritize skilled workers already in Canada. However, a significant proportion of respondents (35.7%) expressed a preference for a mix of skilled workers from both inside and outside Canada to address emerging labour needs.
• Responses regarding labour market shortages showed more variation, with 17.8% of respondents indicating that “it depends on the category.” For both labour market shortages and emerging labour needs, only 5 or fewer respondents selected the “don’t know/no opinion” option in the survey.

Qualitative feedback submitted in response to other survey questions pointed to additional insights on why respondents preferred to rely on skilled workers already in Canada.

• Some respondents emphasized the importance of achieving a better balance between immigration and the development of the domestic workforce. Many highlighted the need to prioritize Canadian citizens and advocated for expanding opportunities for current temporary workers and international students to apply for permanent residence. This included suggestions to increase the focus on Canadian Experience Class (CEC) invitation rounds within the Express Entry system.
• Concerns were also raised about the insufficient emphasis on training and professional development for the existing domestic labour force, including Canadians, international students, and temporary workers. Respondents underscored the role of Canadian educational institutions in preparing the domestic workforce to meet emerging labour demands, calling for curricula that better align with these needs. Employers were also recognized as valuable providers of training to equip workers with specific skills and knowledge.

Additionally, some expressed concerns about population growth, unemployment, wage suppression, and heightened competition for jobs among people already in Canada. These issues were seen as potentially exacerbated by the continued influx of skilled workers from abroad.

Participants who indicated a preference for category-based selection to address Canada’s labour needs – either by focusing on those already in Canada or bringing in new skilled workers from abroad – were asked to choose their top 2 reasons from a pre-populated list. The top reasons cited were consistent across both economic priorities.

Top 2 reasons cited for emphasis on

Learning from the process

The survey concluded with questions about respondents’ experiences completing it and suggestions for how the department could improve engagement regarding category-based selection in Express Entry.

Their responses suggested that the survey was a helpful and useful touchpoint to collect views and perspectives on potential immigration policy changes; they appreciated the opportunity to provide feedback.

Respondents who disagreed that the survey was easy to complete were asked to provide reasons in a free-text format. Common feedback included:

• Questions were vague or lacked sufficient details about categories.
• Questions were difficult to understand or answer from the perspective of specific industries.
• Questions required prior research and analysis to respond accurately.
• There were not enough open-ended questions or opportunities to express opposing views.
• Some questions were perceived as leading (with a pro-immigration bias or supporting specific policy changes).
• Questions were not tailored to individual respondents (as opposed to organizations) or specific industries.

When asked how IRCC could improve engagement on future economic priorities and categories, respondents suggested:

• Providing more contextual data, such as immigration outcomes, to help inform responses.
• Tailoring engagement approaches (including online surveys) to specific industries and sectors.
• Offering follow-up summaries that connect feedback to subsequent policy or program changes.
• Expanding consultations beyond surveys to include roundtables, panel discussions, collaborative forums with industry stakeholders and partners, in-person and virtual town halls, ongoing consultations with diverse groups, and increased involvement from municipalities and frontline service providers.

Next steps

IRCC appreciates the detailed input provided on immigration selection priorities and categories, as well as feedback on Express Entry and the economic immigration system more broadly. These valuable insights will guide the implementation of category-based selection and inform IRCC’s approach to further enhancing economic immigration to Canada.

In addition to publishing this report on consultation findings, IRCC will provide an annual report to Parliament detailing the categories chosen for Express Entry in the previous year. This report will include the rationale for selecting each category, and the instructions establishing the categories. The first report on 2024 categories is expected to be published in 2025.

Feedback on how to improve the consultation process will help shape future consultations with individuals, organizations, and groups. It will also inform the department’s broader efforts to engage stakeholders, partners and the public more effectively.

Annexes

Annex A: Online questionnaire

Section 1 – Tell us about yourself

These questions will provide information to the department on those completing the survey, providing additional insights that are useful in understanding and interpreting the data we receive.

Q1 – Please provide your organization’s name.

• Organization’s name: [organization’s name]
• Your name (optional): [name]

Q2 – Which of the following best describe(s) your organization? (Please select all that apply.)

• 2SLGBTQI+ organization
• Academia, research foundation or institution, or think tank
• Advocacy group
• Arts and culture organization (archives, art gallery or museum, cinema, concert venue, library, performing arts venue, theatre or dance company, etc.)
• Business
• Chamber of commerce or board of trade
• Diversity, equity and inclusion organization
• Economic development organization
• Educational organization (primary or secondary school, post-secondary institution, designated learning institution, student association, school board, etc.)
• Faith-based organization
• Francophone or official language minority community organization
• Government – Arm’s-length agency/Crown corporation
• Government – Federal
• Government – Municipal or regional administration
• Government – Provincial or territorial
• Healthcare organization or other care service
• Immigration consulting
• Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) organization
• Industry or sector council
• International organization
• Labour union or workers’ advocacy group
• Language training organization
• Legal service
• Member of a Communauté francophone accueillante (CFA) / Welcoming Francophone community (WFC)
• Member of a Local Immigration Partnership (LIP)
• Member of a Réseau en immigration francophone (RIF) / Francophone Immigration Network (FIN)
• Multicultural or ethno-cultural association
• Not-for-profit, charitable or non-government organization
• Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) community
• Settlement or resettlement organization
• Tourism organization
• Other (please specify): [open-ended option]
• I do not represent an organization
• Prefer not to say

Q3 – In which of the following sector(s) does your organization primarily operate? (Please select all that apply.)

• Accommodation, hospitality and food services
• Administrative services
• Aerospace
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Arts, entertainment and recreation
• Automotive
• Banking and insurance
• Bio-manufacturing
• Construction
• Consulting and legal services
• Defence
• Dental care
• Education
• Energy
• Fashion and design
• Forestry
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Mining and oil and gas extraction
• Real estate and rental and leasing
• Retail and trade
• Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
• Social assistance
• Tourism
• Trades (excluding construction)
• Transportation
• Utilities
• Other (please specify): [open-ended option]
• I do not work in any of those sectors
• Prefer not to say

Q4a – In which province(s) or which territory(ies) does your organization primarily operate? (Please select all that apply.)

• Across all Canadian provinces and territories
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Northwest Territories
• Nova Scotia
• Nunavut
• Ontario
• Prince Edward Island
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon
• Outside of Canada

Q4b – [if “quebec” is selected alone above] Does your organization have a national mandate, or is your mandate limited to the province of Quebec?

• National mandate
• Quebec mandate

Q5 – In which language(s) does your organization primarily operate?

• English
• French
• Both equally
• Other (please specify): [open-ended option]

Section 2 – Economic priorities and possible categories

In this section, we are interested in your views on our proposed economic priorities and associated categories.

An economic priority is a focus or goal that contributes to Canada’s long-term economic stability and growth, which can guide the selection of skilled workers.

A category refers to a single, or a combination, of particular selection criteria (such as official language skills, occupation-specific work experience, etc.) that can be used to select candidates in support of identified economic priorities.

This section includes questions on the 3 economic priorities we are considering for 2025, as well as questions on possible categories associated with these priorities. You will also have the opportunity to mention other economic priorities that you think category-based selection could help address.

Assessing the value and relative importance of proposed priorities

Q6 – To what extent do you support the use of category-based selection in Express Entry to address the following economic priorities?

Q7 – Would you like to further elaborate on the level of support you’ve indicated for each priority?

[open-ended answer]

Q8 – Are there alternative economic priorities that we could focus on in 2025 for category-based selection in Express Entry? Please provide a short description of economic priority(ies) that you think should be considered and why. Reference to specific sectors or occupations, if applicable, is helpful.

[open-ended answer]

Priority: Addressing structural (long-term) labour market shortages

Q9 – Since 2023, category-based selection in Express Entry has focused on the selection of skilled workers with experience in occupations facing long-term labour market shortages. Based on your experience, to what extent do you think there is a need for category-based selection to continue focusing selection on workers in each of these occupational categories in 2025?

Q9a – [if “average need” or “great need” for any of the options for question 9 is selected] You have indicated one or more occupational category(ies) where the need is “great” or “average”. Do you think that these labour market shortages would be best addressed by focusing category-based selection on temporary residents already in Canada (former international students and temporary foreign workers), or on bringing in new skilled workers from outside Canada?

• Skilled workers already in Canada
• A roughly equal mix of skilled workers already in, and outside, Canada
• New skilled workers outside Canada
• It depends on the occupation category
• Don’t know/no opinion

Q9b – [if “skilled workers already in canada” for question 9a is selected] What are the top 2 reasons why you think that category-based selection in Express Entry should address these labour market shortages by focusing selection on skilled workers already in Canada (former international students and temporary foreign workers)?

• The length of time to integrate into the Canadian labour market
• The length of time to recognize foreign education and practice
• Education and/or work experience in Canada
• Recognizing the contributions made by those already in Canada
• Existing pressures on Canadian communities related to population growth (such as housing, services, etc.)
• Other (please specify): [open-ended option]

Q9c – [if “new skilled workers outside canada” for question 9a is selected] What are the top 2 reasons why you think that category-based selection in Express Entry should address these labour market shortages by focusing selection on skilled workers who are outside Canada?

• Temporary residents already in Canada will have access to other immigration pathways to become permanent residents with their Canadian experience and/or education
• Attracting skilled workers to Canada is healthy for the economy of the country
• Labour market shortages in these areas are primarily occurring because of the lack of qualified individuals already in Canada to meet the need
• Other (please specify): [open-ended option]

Q10 – IRCC is considering the possibility of introducing a new category on education, depending on the extent and nature of the labour need, and the role that permanent economic immigration can play in addressing it. Based on your experience, to what extent do you think that there is a need for category-based selection in Express Entry to address the labour needs in teacher and childhood educator occupations?

• Great need
• Average need
• Little need
• No need at this time
• Don’t know/not sure

Q10a – [if “great need” or “no need at this time” for question 10 is selected] Would you like to provide further details on your selection?

[open-ended answer]

Q10b – [if “great need” for question 10 is selected] Based on your experience, which of the following occupations in education face significant and long-term labour shortages that immigration through category-based selection in Express Entry could help address? (Please select all that apply.)

• Elementary school and kindergarten teachers
• Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
• Early childhood educators and assistants
• Secondary school teachers
• Educational counsellors
• Instructors of persons with disabilities
• Other (please specify): [open-ended option]
• Don’t know

Q10c – [if “great need” for question 10 is selected] Based on your experience, are the labour shortages you have indicated in education specific to one or more of the following groups? (Please select all that apply.)

• French speakers
• English speakers
• Bilingual speakers
• All of the above
• Don’t know

Priority: Supporting economic growth through Francophone immigration outside Quebec

Q11 – Since 2023, category-based selection in Express Entry has focused on the selection of skilled workers with strong French proficiency skills (1) to support economic growth through Francophone immigration outside Quebec. To what extent do you think there is a need to continue focusing selection on workers with this linguistic profile in 2025?

(1) Test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens.

• Great need
• Average need
• Little need
• No need at this time
• Don’t know/not sure

Q11a – [if “great need” or “no need at this time” for question 11 is selected] Would you like to provide further details on your selection?

[open-ended answer]

Priority: Addressing emerging labour needs in Canada’s key industries and sectors to help Canada build a sustainable, strong, and resilient economy

Q12 – To address the above economic priority, category-based selection could focus on a few different emerging labour needs. To what extent do you think there is a need for category-based selection in Express Entry to address the following?

Q13 – [if “great need” or “no need at this time” for question 12 is selected] You have indicated that there is either a “great” need or “no need” for category-based selection in Express Entry to address some the emerging labour needs mentioned in the previous question. Would you like to provide further details on your selection?

[open-ended answer]

Q14 – [if “average need” or “great need” for any of the options for question 12 is selected] Do you think that these emerging labour needs would be best addressed by focusing category-based selection on temporary residents already in Canada (former international students and temporary foreign workers), or on bringing in new skilled workers from outside Canada?

• Skilled workers already in Canada
• A roughly equal mix of skilled workers already in, and outside, Canada
• New skilled workers outside Canada
• It depends on the emerging labour need
• Don’t know/no opinion

Q14a – [if “skilled workers already in canada” for question 14 is selected] What are the top 2 reasons why you think that category-based selection in Express Entry should address these labour needs by focusing selection on skilled workers already in Canada (former international students and temporary foreign workers)?

• The length of time to integrate into the Canadian labour market
• The length of time to recognize foreign education and practice
• Education and/or work experience in Canada
• Recognizing the contributions made by those already in Canada
• Existing pressures on Canadian communities related to population growth (such as housing, services, etc.)
• Other (please specify): [open-ended option]

Q14b – [if “skilled workers outside canada” for question 14 is selected] What are the top 2 reasons why you think that category-based selection in Express Entry should address these labour market shortages by focusing selection on skilled workers who are outside Canada?

• Temporary residents already in Canada will have access to other immigration pathways to become permanent residents with their Canadian experience and/or education
• Attracting skilled workers to Canada is healthy for the economy of the country
• Labour market shortages in these areas are primarily occurring because of the lack of qualified individuals already in Canada to meet the need
• Other (please specify): [open-ended option]

Q15 – Are there other emerging labour needs in Canada’s key industries and sectors that you think category-based selection could consider addressing? If so, please describe them, providing examples where useful.

• No
• Yes (please specify): [open-ended option]
• Don’t know

Section 3 – Your feedback on this process

We’d like to ask a few closing questions on your experience completing this survey, and ways to engage with you in the future.

Q16 – This survey was easy to complete.

• Strongly agree
• Agree
• Neutral
• Disagree
• Strongly disagree

Q16a – [if “disagree” or “strongly disagree” is selected above] Why did you say this survey was not easy to complete?

[open-ended answer]

Q17 – Do you have any suggestions on how IRCC can engage with stakeholders and partners on future economic priorities and categories?

[open-ended answer]

Q18 – Do you agree to have your written submission published in full or in part in subsequent reports?

• Yes, with full attribution – My full name and/or my organization’s name can be published
• Yes, with partial attribution by name – Only my full name can be published
• Yes, with partial attribution by organization – Only my organization’s name can be published
• Yes, with anonymized contribution – My comments can be published, but without reference to either my full name or my organization’s name
• No, I do not agree to have my written submission published at all

Annex B: Supplementary information

The following includes complete data for survey responses that are not covered, or partially alluded to, in the final report.

Section 1 – Tell us about yourself

Q2 – Which of the following best describe(s) your organization? (Please select all that apply.)

Q3 – In which of the following sector(s) does your organization primarily operate? (Please select all that apply.)

Q4a – In which province(s) or which territory(ies) does your organization primarily operate? (Please select all that apply.)

Q4b – [if “quebec” was selected alone above] Does your organization have a national mandate, or is your mandate limited to the province of Quebec?

Q5 – In which language(s) does your organization primarily operate?

“Other” languages of operation indicated by respondents included Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Tagalog and Portuguese.

Section 2 – Economic priorities and possible categories

Priority: Addressing structural (long-term) labour market shortages

Q9b – [if “skilled workers already in canada” for question 9a was selected] What are the top 2 reasons why you think that category-based selection in Express Entry should address these labour market shortages by focusing selection on skilled workers already in Canada (former international students and temporary foreign workers)?

Responses received when participants selected “other” were broadly related to one or more of the above response options. Common reasons cited included the importance of integrating individuals into Canadian communities, the fact that those in Canada are already established and working in the country, and the need for fairness toward those who have committed to Canada as their new country of residence.

Q9c – [if “new skilled workers outside canada” for question 9a was selected] What are the top 2 reasons why you think that category-based selection in Express Entry should address these labour market shortages by focusing selection on skilled workers who are outside Canada?

Responses received when participants selected “other” emphasized the need to address labour shortages with top talent, skills and qualifications from outside Canada. Respondents also highlighted a perceived mismatch between the skills and experience required by industries and occupations, and those of skilled workers currently in Canada.

Q10c – [if “great need” for question 10 was selected] Based on your experience, are the labour shortages you have indicated in education specific to one or more of the following groups? (Please select all that apply.)

Priority: Addressing emerging labour needs in Canada’s key industries and sectors to help Canada build a sustainable, strong, and resilient economy

Q14a – [if “skilled workers already in canada” for question 14 was selected] What are the top 2 reasons why you think that category-based selection in Express Entry should address these labour needs by focusing selection on skilled workers already in Canada (former international students and temporary foreign workers)?

Responses received when participants selected “other” were mostly related to “existing pressures on Canadian communities.” Respondents expressed concerns about population growth, unemployment, wage suppression, and increased competition for jobs with workers already in Canada.

Q14b – [if “skilled workers outside canada” for question 14 was selected] What are the top 2 reasons why you think that category-based selection in Express Entry should address these labour needs by focusing selection on skilled workers who are outside Canada?

Responses received when participants selected “other” focused on concerns regarding the qualifications and suitability of skilled workers already in Canada to meet labour market needs.

Q15 – Are there other emerging labour needs in Canada’s key industries and sectors that you think category-based selection could consider addressing? If so, please describe them, providing examples where useful.

Section 3 – Your feedback on this process

Q16 – This survey was easy to complete.

Annex C: Participating organizations

The list below includes organizations that contributed to our consultations on category-based selection in Express Entry. IRCC also received a number of anonymous and/or individual contributions that are not listed here for privacy reasons.

• Access Alliance
• AEOPAX Immigration Services
• Aesop
• Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of British Columbia
• Alberta Chambers of Commerce
• Alberta Federation of Labour
• Alberta International Medical Graduates Association
• Amvic Building System
• Argano
• Arjun Services (Esso)
• Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario
• Association des francophones de la région de York
• Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario
• Association for New Canadians
• Association of British Columbia Marine Industries
• Basha Restaurants
• Bashir’s Auto Centre
• Bidalosy Farms
• Bingo Immigration and Education Consulting
• BIOVECTRA
• Blue Globals
• Bondy Immigration Law
• Bosman Home Front
• Bradford Immigrant and Community Services
• Brandon Local Immigration Partnership
• Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation
• Breaktime Immigration and Education Consulting
• British Columbia Care Providers Association
• British Columbia Complex Kids Society
• British Columbia Hotel Association
• British Columbia Institute of Technology
• British Columbia Trucking Association
• Bulk Carriers
• Business Council of Alberta
• Camosun College
• Canada’s Building Trades Unions / Les syndicats des métiers de la construction du Canada
• Canadian Alliance of Student Associations / Alliance canadienne des associations étudiantes
• Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants / Association canadienne des conseillers professionnels en immigration
• Canadian Bar Association / Association du Barreau canadien
• Canadian Bureau for International Education / Bureau canadien de l’éducation internationale
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business / Fédération canadienne de l’entreprise indépendante
• Canadian Home Builders’ Association
• Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association / Association canadienne des avocats en immigration
• Canadian Institute of Planners / Institut canadien des urbanistes
• Canadian Mental Health Association – Toronto / Association canadienne pour la santé mentale – Toronto
• Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety at the University of Guelph
• Canadian Senior Living Association / Association des résidences pour aînés du Canada
• Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition
• Canadore College
• Cardinal Health
• Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society
• Centre for Marine Training and Research at Georgian College
• Centre for Migration Studies at the University of British Columbia
• Le Centre franco-ontarien de ressources pédagogiques
• CFA Institute
• Chartered Professional Accountants of New Brunswick
• Childventures Early Learning Academy
• Chitra and Associates Immigration Consultants
• City of London (Ontario)
• Cognizant Canada
• Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick
• Colleges and Institutes Canada / Collèges et instituts Canada
• Colleges Ontario
• Collingwood Neighbourhood House
• Comité d’accueil, d’intégration et d’établissement des nouveaux arrivants de la Péninsule acadienne
• Communitech
• Community Development Council Durham
• Community Family Services of Ontario / Services communautaires pour les familles de l’Ontario
• Community Futures – Central Kootenay, East Interlake, Lethbridge, North Okanagan
• Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
• Confederation College
• Connecture Canada
• Conseil économique et social d’Ottawa–Carleton
• Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir
• Core Education and Fine Arts Early Learning Centre
• CreativePEI
• CSL Group
• Cumming and Partners
• Decoda Literacy Solutions
• Distrinor
• Xa'xtsa - Douglas First Nation
• Drennan Refrigeration
• dRN Law LLP
• Dunton Rainville
• Durham District School Board
• Eagle Lake Nurseries
• Early Enrichment Day Care Centre
• East Hants and Districts Chamber of Commerce
• ECO Canada
• Economic Development Winnipeg
• Emerald Energy from Waste
• Enserva
• Ernst and Young
• Extendicare
• Fanshawe College
• Flicka Gymnastics Club
• FPS Food Processing Solutions
• Fragomen
• G. Visser and Sons
• Gampo Abbey – Shambhala Canada Society
• Garderie du petit cheval blanc
• GradLifeCanada Immigration Consulting
• Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce
• Green and Spiegel
• Groupe Desgagnés
• guard.me
• HCC Marketing
• Health Match BC
• HIGH-END Transport
• Holland College
• Hotel Association of Canada / Association des hôtels du Canada
• Humber Polytechnic
• Image Engine
• Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia
• Inspired Immigration
• Institute for Canadian Citizenship / Institut pour la citoyenneté canadienne
• IQVIA
• JB LLC
• Jewish Family and Child Service
• JVS Toronto
• KF Aerospace
• Kirdan Restaurants (Swiss Chalet)
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Lalonde Honey Farms
• Latincouver Cultural and Business Society
• Lebanese and Arab Social Services Agency / Agence libanaise et arabe des services sociaux
• Lethbridge Family Services
• Lifemark
• Lighthouse Immigration Law
• Lions of Canada
• Literacy Alberni Society
• London Cross-Cultural Learner Centre
• London Economic Development Corporation
• MacBride Museum
• Manitoba Federation of Labour
• Manitoba Trucking Association
• Manufacturing BC
• Marina Immigration
• Marine Institute at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Maritimes Immigration Consulting
• Maven Lane
• McGill University / Université McGill
• McGrath Logistics
• McKenzie College
• McKesson Canada
• McMaster University
• Meat and Poultry Ontario
• Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto
• Miller Thomson LLP
• Milton Community Resource Centre
• Miramichi Regional Multicultural Association / Association régionale multiculturelle de Miramichi
• Mitacs
• MKS Immigration Lawyers
• MobSquad
• Moving2Canada
• Mrs. Dunster’s
• Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association of North Vancouver Island
• Multicultural Association of Fredericton
• Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County
• Nano One Materials
• Navera Community Connections
• NeVille International Immigration Services
• Niagara Local Immigration Partnership
• Nixon Honey Farm
• Nobility Canada Immigration Services
• NorQuest College
• Northeastern University–Toronto
• Northern Policy Institute
• Northwestern Polytechnic
• NUQO Modular
• Olu Japa Community Group
• Okanagan College
• Ontario Racing
• Ontario Retirement Communities Association
• Oracle
• Ottawa Community Loan Fund
• Passage to Canada
• Pathogenia
• Peel Newcomer Strategy Group
• PEI Agriculture Sector Council
• PEI Connectors
• Pillar5 Pharma
• Porter Airlines
• Premier Research
• Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society
• Public Policy Forum / Forum des politiques publiques
• Quadrant Marine Institute
• Quantum Industry Canada
• Quarter Marketing Canada
• Racetracks of Canada
• Regional Municipality of York (Ontario)
• Réseau de soutien à l’immigration francophone du Nord de l’Ontario
• S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
• Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association
• Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association
• Saskatoon Open Door Society
• Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
• Scotiabank
• Seaspan Shipyards
• Service d’accueil et d’inclusion francophone de la Saskatchewan
• SimplyCast
• Skills Ontario / Compétences Ontario
• SNOLAB
• Société économique de l’Ontario
• South Vancouver Neighborhood House
• Southwest Centre for Community Program Development
• Sphere Animation
• St. Francis Xavier University
• St. Brieux Community Childcare Centre
• St. Luke’s United Church Canada
• St. Thomas University
• Start Over in Canada Consulting
• The Abbot on Eglinton
• The Neighbourhood Group Community Services
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Toronto Metropolitan University
• Tourism Industry Association of Canada / Association de l’industrie du tourisme du Canada
• Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island
• Town of Altona (Manitoba)
• Town of Stratford (Ontario)
• Trent University
• Tripar
• Université du Québec en Outaouais
• Universities Canada / Universités Canada
• University of Alberta / Université de l’Alberta
• University of British Columbia
• University of Regina
• University of Windsor
• Valiant TMS
• Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society
• Vanier Community Service Centre / Centre des services communautaires Vanier
• ventureLAB
• Village of Masset (British Columbia)
• Vitalus Nutrition
• Western Canada Marine Response Corporation
• Whitefish Lake First Nation
• Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women
• Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce
• Winnipeg Regional Health Authority / Office régional de la santé de Winnipeg
• Woodbine Entertainment
• World Education Services
• YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford
• YMCA of Saskatoon
• Yukon Federation of Labour
• YWCA Saskatoon