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What TECNA and CTN Report Says
Canada’s tech scene is really taking off, and the proof is in the pudding—or in this case, a recent report from The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s Tech Network (CTN). Over 32,000 tech workers from around the world decided to call Canada home between April 2022 and March 2023. That’s a pretty big deal, and it didn’t happen by accident.
So why is Canada the new hot spot for Tech Workers?
Well, the country’s welcoming immigration policies and the more affordable cost of labor are big draws. The government is basically rolling out the red carpet for tech talent. And guess what? The way the world works is changing, especially in tech. Remote work has become the norm, thanks in part to the COVID-19 pandemic. That means tech workers don’t have to be in Silicon Valley or New York City anymore. They can be anywhere—even in smaller Canadian cities.
Places in Canada you wouldn’t usually think of as tech hubs are starting to grow their tech workforce. For instance, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland & Labrador are seeing rapid tech job growth, with an annual increase of around 16%. Even lesser-known spots like Windsor saw a boom, with its tech workforce growing by 28% in a year. So, if you’re a techie who likes the idea of a quieter life, Canada’s got you covered there too.
So where are all these new tech workers coming from?
The report points out that a lot of the talent is coming in from countries like India, Nigeria, and Brazil. American companies are also investing more in Canada because, well, it’s right next door and cheaper to operate there. Canada is already home to over 400,000 software developers, so it’s not like they’re starting from scratch or anything.
What skills should you have if you’re thinking of making the move to canada?
The report lists key skills in demand like Microsoft Azure, Data Science, and Customer Experience. So if you’re good at any of those, your chances are pretty solid.
Now, let’s talk cities. If you’re thinking about where in Canada to set down roots, the report lists Mississauga, Ontario as the top choice, followed by Montreal, Quebec, and Waterloo, Ontario. These cities are becoming the must-be places for the tech community.
The Canadian government isn’t sitting idle either. They’ve introduced a Tech Talent Strategy and Express Entry draws that focus on tech professions. The Tech Talent Strategy has several new initiatives up its sleeve like an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program and improved work permits for U.S. H1-B visa holders. They’re also promoting Canada as a haven for digital nomads.
Tech Occupations – Category-Based Express Entry Draws
As for Express Entry, Canada is setting up special categories for those with experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). With 24 STEM professions making the list for 2023, Canada is making it clear: they want tech talent, and they’re willing to go the extra mile to get it.
So if you’re in tech and considering a move, Canada is clearly laying out the welcome mat in a big way. It’s a win-win for everyone; Canada boosts its tech industry, and tech workers find a new home where they’re in high demand. It’s a bright future for tech in the Great White North, that’s for sure.
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