b'IMMIGRATIONmobility provisions, Molina says. If youemployers can verify an employee\'s visamobility processing, that\'s the direction we look at Trumps approach and even recentstatus online, and such an ability would beneed to go."signals from the Canadian government,extremely helpful in Canada. "We saw thisIn its current form, CUSMAs labour theyre likely to keep things restrictive,during the pandemic when people weremobility provisions work well to support assuming they address mobility at all. stuck waiting for physical documents just to travel. In a world where it\'s so easy tocross-border talent flow. With North Amer-The slowing economic landscape mayhop on a plane and where cross-borderican relations and labour market needs in also hinder CUSMA\'s modernization.work is common, having something like aflux, there are strong arguments to be made Canada\'s immigration policy tendsdigital visa would make a huge difference." for modernization. Updating professional to reflect the economy\'s health, withcategories, embracing digital innovation, more permissive immigration policiesThere are concerns about whether otherand learning from more flexible agreements appearing in times of economic growth,countries have the systems and fraudcould empower North America to keep pace and conversely, labour shortages andprevention measures in place to supportwith the changing global economy. While tighter immigration controls in timesdigital processes. Still, Molina remainsthe chances for change are slim, the oppor-of downturn. Regardless of whos inoptimistic: "If we want to improve generaltunity is worth pursuing. power on either side of the border, were likely heading toward more restrictive approaches for now. That doesnt support permissive trade negotiations in terms of mobility, Molina notes.While the odds of updated labour mobility provisions with CUSMA may be low for the time being, there are other oppor-tunities to modernize the labour mobility landscape outside of the agreement. For example, Canada is actively pursuing new trade alliances in response to U.S. tariffs, which could lead to bilateral agreements, such as one with Mexico, which open the door to enhanced mobility. "This is just one of many work permit options available to companies bringing talent to Canada," Molina says. "Even if the professional category under CUSMA becomes more limited, there are other pathways."Programs like Canada\'s TemporarySETTING THE STANDARD IN Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP)CANADIAN VEHICLE TRANSPORTalso offer alternatives, including permits based on significant economic benefits or reciprocal employment models. "There are43 Years of transportation excellencemany different work permits available. If someone can\'t qualify under CUSMA, it\'s250 trucks augmented by rail service across Canadanot the end of the world. You canoften pivot to another permit type,"Our Move Management technology keeps you in the Molina explains. drivers seat throughout your vehicles journeyProgress can also be made by modernizingMature team of dedicated employees always ensures how labour mobility is processed. Workersconsistent and dependable servicestill face challenges when waiting for physical permanent resident cards or visaHansens fleet of seasoned professional drivers treat stamps just to travel for work. Adoptingyour vehicle like their owndigital visas and fully electronic processingFlexible pick-up and delivery options to suit your would ease these burdens, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness in bothevery move typegovernment systems and corporate oper- Local, regional, long-distance, and cross-border ations. Were ahead of many countriesmoves performedin terms of online applications and auto-mation, but there\'s still much more to be done," Molina says. "Digitizing visas and streamlining processing would significantlyOnline quotations at www.LHF.com or call improve efficiency." 1-888-420-8888 for more informationAustralia is proof of this digital approach in action. There, Molina explains, Summer 2025PERSPECTIVES13'