Amidst widespread discussion about an apparent shortage of skilled labour in Canada, this article from the Huffington Post suggests that the purported labour shortage may not in fact be so prevalent. It highlights a recent report from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada titled Imbalances Between Labour Demand and Supply, 2011-2020. This report concludes that there is not presently a general labour shortage in Canada, and a general labour shortage does not appear to be imminent despite the country’s aging workforce. Imbalances are, however, expected in particular regions and some high-skill industries.

Within this context, the article underscores that federal programs to hire underpaid, precariously employed “foreign” workers on temporary contracts does not appear to be justified on the basis of a general labour shortage.