OTTAWA – The federal Liberals began work on a new immigration program to bring in highly skilled labour long before U.S. President Donald Trump took office.
But what they’ll be watching for now is whether their Global Talent Stream program launching in June could be a way to benefit from what Trump has done in his short tenure.
READ MORE: Immigration lottery: Ottawa introduces new parent visa application process
The president added more uncertainty to the future of U.S. immigration policy this week, ordering a careful review of America’s H-1B visa program, which he says lets tech companies avoid hiring Americans in favour of cheaper foreign workers.
WATCH: Trudeau tells Tom Brokaw that Canada agrees to disagree with US on immigration policy
It’s his latest tweak to the program, which many tech giants say they depend on for highly skilled foreign labour to fill crucial positions that Americans can’t.
The uncertainty around what Trump’s review will yield could get companies thinking more seriously about sending business to Canada, and some say Canada is well-positioned to take advantage.
READ MORE: Donald Trump fact check: His claims about NATO, jobs, military, immigration are mostly false
The roll-out of the Global Talent Stream program will mandate that work applications be processed within two weeks, a move that companies say is sorely needed.
- N.S. couple felt they won ‘doctor lottery’ after years on wait-list. Now they’re back on it
- ‘Summer of discontent’ coming over public service in-office order: unions
- Family says infant killed in 401 crash leaves a ‘void that can never be filled’
- Jewish students say they don’t feel safe from antisemitism on campus
Comments