HRSDC-IC-SSHRC Skills Reserach Initiative

Working Paper Series

Canadian Business Perspectives on the International Mobility of Skilled Labour
by Sandra Lopes.

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Abstract

This study presents the views of more than 20 Canadian businesses and industry associations on international labour mobility. In particular, it explores the importance of labour mobility to business; a company’s motivation for moving personnel into and out of Canada; and the challenges to moving personnel into and out of Canada.

Companies that participated in this study move a very small percentage of their workforce across borders and these employees are likely to be managers, executives or employees with specialized skills. These companies move staff because they require a unique or specialized skill, need to transfer knowledge, or provide professional or personal development. The companies did not report significant obstacles to labour mobility. When they do face obstacles to moving people, the most significant obstacles are costs and spousal employment/family-related issues. Some companies also noted difficulties at the Canada-U.S. border as a result of new security concerns and procedures.