The incoming of temporary labours in massive amount has led to tremendous increment in the population of Canada, and especially so in case of Alberta. The amount of temporary workers with the plan of stay for a year of two has overshadowed the people who target to get permanent visas. If the comparison is stricken between the two categories, then Alberta alone is enough to validate the point. In the year 2007, Alberta has witnessed the arrival of approximately 30,000 temporary workers and the numbers of applicants for permanent visas were approximately above 20,000.
Canada is in need of foreign workers so that the situation of labour shortages can be combated. Leane Hurrell, a member of visa and immigration authority (www.globalvisas.com ) has shared her opinion that though the incoming of foreign workers is in favour of the market situation, but permanent residents would be more helpful in comparison to temporary workers. In comparison to the record of past year, Canada has witnessed a drop in the number of applicants for permanent visa by 15,000. The reason behind this trend is because of the immense backlogs of visas, and economic growth of other countries has appeared as an alternative or sometimes better option.
The number of applicants of temporary visas has indeed shown a remarkable rise of 22% in the year 2006 and 2007, and in case of Alberta, this increment is by 66%. Alberta has indeed become the hub of temporary workers. Alberta has around 27,000 temporary workers (mostly from Philippines and Mexico), and Diane Finley (immigration minister) wants to reach the target of at least 265,000 immigrants this year.
Karen Shadd, spokesperson of Canada immigration has said that though there is significant decrease in the number of applicants for permanent residence this year, but as far as the need of Canada is concerned; both temporary and permanent workers are enough to fulfill the demand. However, the issue of concern is that how far this situation can be supportive for the market needs in future.