To help increase living standards for Canadians, the federal government should reform its immigration system and prioritize immigrants with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) qualifications and strong English or French language skills, finds a new essay released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.

“The primary focus of sensible immigration policy should be to attract newcomers who will help increase the living standards of people already living in Canada,” said Jock Finlayson, senior fellow at the Fraser Institute and co-author of Insights To Guide Immigration Policy.

According to the essay, highly-educated and/or skilled immigrants—particularly those trained in STEM-related subjects—will help increase the productivity and per-person GDP (an indicator of living standards and incomes) of existing residents.

And these types of immigrants contribute more to government revenue (via taxes) than they receive in government services and income transfers (e.g. employment insurance).

Governments in Canada should also improve the business environment for entrepreneurship, innovation and growth of technology-intensive industries and occupations, to reap more benefits from high-skilled immigrants.

“If policymakers in Ottawa and across the country want to make Canada’s immigration system work better for Canadians, they should adopt a smarter system that courts skilled workers who can enhance the economy,” said Steven Globerman, senior fellow at the Fraser Institute and essay co-author.

Click here to read the essay: Insights To Guide Immigration Policy.

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