Date:07/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/07/stories/2007110757271600.htm

International - India & World

Canada seeks skilled Indians

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, of skilled workers. We want talented professionals from here to come to Canada,” Diane Finley, Canadian Immigration Minister, said. 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,” Ms. Diane said.

She said the referral office would enable Indians to show how they qualify to Canadian standards for various regulated professions. Ms. Finley said her country was organising orientation sessions in India to increase awareness on the credential recognition process in Canada.

The sessions would be organised in Gujarat (from November 26), followed by Punjab.

“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. — PTI