IT Sector Put On Freeze Can Have Negative Impact

07 Jul 2010

Canada has been promoting Vancouver as the favored digital hub for foreigners to live and work in Canada. Many big media giants like Digital Domain and Pixar set up their big studios at Vancouver relying on highly-talented foreign staffs who immigrate to Canada on Federal IT worker category. And, companies based in Canada were allowed to club together project teams for completion of their projects

According to critics, new Canada immigration rules to help Canadian jobs are actually hindering the availability of desired workforce for the Canadian media industry.

The special Canada visa federal IT worker category was put on freeze by the Canadian Immigration department by September end which has led to concerns among the visual effects and digital media industry in Vancouver. This can have a negative impact on the Canadian economy.

Companies will feel compelled to make applications for temporary Canada work visas in the same way as any other company (in any other industry), in the absence of Canada visa IT category. And, all companies will have to get an LMO (Labor Market Opinion) from Service Canada, Ottawa whereby companies have to show that the job position is in accordance with the wage guidelines, allows new knowledge and skills, and does not, in any way, affect Canadian workers job prospects.

Mayor of Vancouver Gregor Robertson expressed a deep concern over the recent Canada visa changes that can affect the media and gaming industry in Vancouver. He stated through an email that the economy of Vancouver will be affected poorly by the latest Canada immigration rules.