New immigration program helps construction sector

TORONTO — A new In-Demand Skills Stream of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is helping employers in construction find and retain workers.

The enhancement to the OINP is a pilot project based on labour market needs and input from trade unions, employers and other key stakeholders. The province will monitor the pilot and make adjustments as necessary to ensure it meets the needs of employers, states a release.

The province has modernized the OINP application process with paperless online systems. All applications for the In-Demand Skills Stream must be submitted online.

"Ontario’s economic growth depends on attracting immigrants with the right skills to fill our labour market needs so that our employers and communities can thrive and excel," said Laura Albanese, minister of citizenship and immigration, in a statement.