b"IMMIGRATION in developing countries as well, wherepursue. But it is important to expand onThe pandemic may have put a pause on shrinking labour pools and lack of skilledthose programs in a way that addressesin-person conferences and meetings oftalent are making it difficult to growcurrent demands. What we hear fromthis nature, but there is hope that mean-various sectors. employers is that the pathways for short- ingful conversations can begin taking term work arrangements are lacking,shape at future events, be they helmed by SPREADING THE MESSAGE notes Winet. They tell us it's still fairlythe IOC, CERC, or other employeeThese are among the messages that talentdifficult for a company to bring workersmobility advocates.mobility advocates around the world areinto their country to work for a couple of bringing to government through globalweeks or months, depending on In the meantime, there is a lot that busi-forums on migration and talent develop- the assignment. ness stakeholders can do to continue ment. For the IOE's part, Winet says:the conversation. The biggest step, says Our position isn't that governments needWhat's needed are more flexible pathwaysWinet, is making their needs and chal-to open up the borders and let everyonethat allow employers to bring in skillslenges known within their respective in. We're really looking at targeted poli- when and where they are needed for acommunities. This means joining national cies that would respond to the immediateshort amount of time. Doing so, saysand international conversations and needs of the employers. Winet, will promote skill transfers betweendrawing on CERC events and communi-foreign talent and local workforces and fillcation channels to raise their concerns. Some of these pathways already exist. Thisimmediate talent gaps.past July, Canadas Immigration MinisterIt's very beneficial for CERC members Marco Mendicino announced a new openImproving pathways to immigration beginsto spell out what kinds of policies would work permit option for 90,000 essentialwith bringing businesses and governmentsbe helpful in relocating someone from workers and international student gradu- to the same table, an effort that Winetsone country to the next, as well as ates in Canada. Our new path to perma- organization is actively involved in. We'rewhat's lacking or missing in the current nent residence for 90,000 essential workerstrying to bring all those stakeholdersprograms, says Winet, adding that it's and international graduates is a major steptogether and link discussions on employ- also beneficial to discuss where immi-forwardthe size, speed and scope ofment to migration, she says. The idea isgration pathways are working, and to which is unprecedented, he noted. to hold those meetings and workshops soshare those best practices. We shouldn't that employers can tell governments whatonly be complaining about what is not In combination with Canada's Expressthey need, so that hopefully that conversa- working. We also need to hear about the Entry program and other initiatives, theretion carries forward to a national level andstrategies that are working in Canada and are already avenues that employers canwe start seeing policy changes.how we can do even better.CONGRATULATIONS JACK KIM ON YOUR PROMOTION TO PARTNERSHIP FROM YOUR FRAGOMEN TORONTO COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDSAt Fragomen, we dont just facilitate immigrationwe create opportunities. From individuals and small local businesses to the worlds largest companies, we support all of your immigration needs, all over the world. We are internationally localwith o\x01ces in the heart of each region, including Canada, and services stretching around the world. No matter where youve come from, or where youre going next, Fragomen is here to propel you forward.www.fragomen.comFall 2021PERSPECTIVES19"