The Canadian immigration department prepared a skills shortage list of 38 occupations in a move to encourage immigrants to fill the void.

It is claimed that, in spite of the economic downturn, the government has not forgotten about industries suffering from skills shortage and is encouraging people possessing relevant skills to apply for a visa.

Canadian immigration took steps to ensure Canadians will have a fair chance to apply for jobs, but as the number of qualified Canadians in some industries is simply not sufficient, it is essential to maintain skilled immigrant worker intake.

One of the most problematic issues affecting firms who have skills shortages is that the Canada visa application system is very slow. “Our clients identify their accountancy needs and once they're identified, they're probably in desperate need for them, and they can't really wait 12 months," says Jonathan Leebosh, a business immigration lawyer.

Around 25% of Ernst & Young Canada employees are skilled visa holders who helped the company to develop and prosper.

Fiona McFarlane, Ernst & Young employee, said that employing immigrants encouraged cross-cultural understanding and improved the work environment and the productivity of the workers.