Canada’s hiring system bared

Filipino workers and other foreigners in Canada will find a new hiring system in place effective in May, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that Canadian Minister for Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney announced on Dec. 19 the new selection system for their Federal Skilled Worker Program which will take effect on May 14, 2013.

“The FSWP puts more points on language proficiency and youth as the two most important factors in the economic success of immigrants,” Baldoz said.

Philippine Ambassador to Canada Leslie Gatan, said the final changes to the FSWP selection criteria include:

• Minimum official language thresholds and increased points for official language proficiency, making language the most important factor in the selection process;

• Increased emphasis on younger immigrants, who are more likely to acquire valuable Canadian experience; are better positioned to adapt to changing labour market conditions; and who will spend a greater number of years contributing to Canada’s economy;

• Changes to the arranged employment process, allowing employers to hire applicants quickly, if there is a demonstrated need in the Canadian labour market; and

• Additional adaptability points for spousal language ability and Canadian work experience. –Vito Barcelo, Manila Standard Today