December 2009

For the first time in its history, in 2007 and 2008 Canada welcomed more temporary than permanent residents. Temporary residents do not have access to the same supports and services as permanent residents. Low-skilled temporary workers cannot apply for permanent residence through the federal immigration system. Experience in other countries has demonstrated that similar temporary ‘guest worker’ programs have resulted in the creation of an undocumented underclass. This Policy in Focus features a proposal for reform by Naomi Alboim which would produce refocus immigration policies to ensure the skilled worker program remains at the heart of permanent economic immigration to Canada.