B.C. has the best human capital in the country, but immigrants are still getting the short end of the stick in the labour market, according to a BC Progress Board report published Tuesday.
The report claims the province’s low high school dropout rate, above-average scores in literacy and secondary school tests, and above-average proportion of people with university degrees have generated a strong workforce.
But the report pointed out the underutilization of skilled immigrants and poor educational outcomes of aboriginal people are two main areas that need improvement.
“Recent immigrants are well educated relative to the general population, but their labour market outcomes are sub-par,” the report said.
“Existing policies in Canada admit immigrants on the basis of their education and work experience, with no assessment of the degree to which that education and experience will be valued in the labour market.”
The report recommended that admission via the federal skilled worker program should focus more on what’s valued by Canadian businesses, and the province should create a formal credential recognition framework to oversee immigration assessments and ensure they’re respected by employers.
The premier established the BC Progress Board in 2001 to advise government about B.C.’s ongoing competitiveness relative to other regions.
Joel McKay
Twitter:jmckaybiv