Canada’s red-hot mining industry is recording substantial profits, but is failing to cope with the demand for skilled workers. Moreover, the crippling labour shortages from which the industry is suffering so heavily are not showing any signs of improving, in fact, the situation is set to worsen over the next ten years.

Experts from the Ottawa Mining Industry Human Resource Council (MIHR) predict that a further 92,000 skilled workers will be required over the next decade if the problems caused by excessive labour shortages are to be resolved. In addition to this, an expected baby boom retirement wave is set to hit the region, at which time an estimated 40 per cent of the workforce will leave.

A further indication of negative growth in the mining sector results from a slump in geologist and other mining specialist training throughout the 1990s whilst the industry was expecting a downturn.

As a result of all the serious workforce shortages that the industry is faced with, Canada is aggressively recruiting overseas-based skilled workers who can help boost the number of trained professionals within the mining industry. The demand is highest in the very highly skilled positions such as engineers, technicians and specialised tradespeople, all of whom will enjoy great benefits should they successfully apply for Canadian migration.

Since 2002, the average wage of skilled workers in Canada’s mining industry has increased by almost 20 per cent, in addition to which bonuses have been seen to increase substantially, essentially doubling the salaries of trained professionals.

For further information on migration to Canada, visit our Canada website at www.canada-immigration-visas.co.uk/.