Canada wants more skilled workers from India

NEW DELHI: Recognising India as a "key source country" for skilled workers, Canada on Tuesday announced opening of a "referral office" here to scout for talented people who could contribute to its economic growth.

"India is a key source country both in terms of quality and quantity for the skilled workers. We want talented professionals from here to come to Canada," Diane Finley, the Canadian Immigration Minister, said here today.

Around 30,000 Indians went to Canada last year. "Our population is declining, the birth rate is low.. To keep our economy and industries going up, we need more people," said Finley, who is on a visit here to assess Canada's immigration operation.

She said the referral office will enable Indians to show how they qualify to Canadian standards for various regulated professions.

Finley said her country is organising some orientation sessions in India to increase awareness about the credential recognition process in Canada.

The sessions would be organised in Gujarat from November 26 followed by Punjab, which are major sources of skilled workers, she said.

"The government of Canada is committed to helping newcomers succeed, and one way to do that is to help them before they get to Canada," she said.

Canada will open a similar office in Beijing. During her stay here, she will meet Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vyalar Ravi, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Minister of State for External Affairs Anand Sharma.