Policy on removing the "Canadian experience" barrier / : Politique sur La suppression des obstacles liés à l'expérience canadienne

Canada is home to immigrants from all over the world. Seen as a place of opportunity, peace and democratic governance, Canada has been able to attract highly-skilled immigrants. In return, Canada's culture, society and economy have been greatly enriched by their contributions. With its aging population, shrinking birthrate, and shortage of skilled labour, Canada relies on the contributions of immigrants for its economic well-being. In the modern global economy, immigrants with foreign experience can increase Canada's international competitiveness by enhancing the country's "diversity advantage." Therefore, it is a major concern when recent immigrants to Canada face high rates of both underemployment and unemployment. Statistics Canada reported that between 1991 and 2006, "the proportion of immigrants with a university degree in jobs with low educational requirements (such as clerks, truck drivers, salespersons, cashiers, and taxi drivers) increased." Even after being in Canada for fifteen years, "immigrants with a university degree are still more likely than the native-born to be in low-skilled jobs."