The Shifting Landscape of Immigration Policy in Canada: Implications for Health Human Resources

Abstract

for many years, Canada has relied on international migration to compensate for cyclical shortages in its skilled labour force. This paper reports on recent changes in Canadian immigration policy, namely, the introduction of new immigration programs focused on skilled workers, along with the implementation of domestic mobility agreements. With specific reference to the case of nursing, the paper highlights the necessity for integrated policy across multiple government levels and stakeholder groups, as well as the need to promote the development of evidence-based policy in the fields of immigration and health human resources. Résumé Pendant plusieurs années, le Canada a compté sur la migration internationale pour compenser les pénuries cycliques de main-d' oeuvre qualifiée. Cet article porte sur les récents changements dans les politiques d'immigration au Canada, en particulier l'introduction de nouveaux programmes d'immigration centrés sur les travailleurs qualifiés, de même que la mise en place d' accords de mobilité domestique. L' article, qui traite spécifiquement du cas des soins infirmiers, souligne le besoin de politiques intégrées entre les multiples niveaux de gouvernement et les groupes d'intervenants, ainsi que le besoin de promouvoir le développement de politiques fondées sur les données probantes dans le domaine de l'immigration et des ressources humaines en santé.

What Do We Know and Not Know about the Professional Integration of International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in Canada?

“…Overall, the reports from the literature indicate that physicians recruited under Provincial Nominee Programs or those holding provisional licenses are more rapidly integrated than those who arrive as skilled workers (or through other immigration categories, such as family class or refugees) and are trying to certify independently ( Johnson and Baumai 2011 ). The literature also raises concerns about physicians' “brain waste” and calls for better integration between federal and provincial immigration/labour policies ( Dove 2009 ; Nelson et al 2011 ). To address this problem, some provincial programs subsidize IEHPs by repaying up to 50% licensure process costs ( Prince Edward Island ANC 2011 ).…”

Migrant Nurses and Federal Caregiver Programs in Canada

“…In Canada, authors have argued that the current health human resources inadequacy stems from geographical and health systems distribution rather than a real shortage (Landry, Gupta, & Tepper, 2010; Wilson, 2013). Moreover, authors have argued that the siloed nature of health policy formation makes it challenging to find effective solutions to health human resources policies and to maximize health outcomes for Canadians (Baumann, Blythe, & Ross, 2010; Nelson, Verma, McGillis-Hall, Gastaldo, & Janjua, 2011). Even at the provincial level, policies that have an influence on health human resources across departments are not always congruent (Baumann et al., 2010).…”