Canada's Tech Boom: 32,000 Global Tech Workers Choose the North

In a remarkable year spanning from April 2022 to March 2023, the alluring landscape of Canada's tech industry welcomed a staggering influx of over 32,000 talented professionals from around the world. This remarkable migration phenomenon has been meticulously documented in a recent report crafted by The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s Tech Network (CTN).

The allure of Canada for tech enthusiasts stems from its progressive immigration policies and cost advantages, drawing professionals away from traditional tech hubs due to the remote work shift prompted by the global pandemic. This transformation underpins the tech migration trend highlighted in the report.

Canada's tech appeal goes beyond immigration, fueled by substantial investments from U.S. tech giants, driven by proximity and attractive compensation. This has significantly contributed to the burgeoning tech industry. The report emphasizes the vibrancy of Canada's tech migration, with talents primarily hailing from regions like India, Nigeria, and Brazil. This growth isn't limited to major cities; smaller provinces like Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador boast a remarkable 16.3% year-on-year tech workforce expansion. Smaller Canadian cities like Windsor have surged by 28% in tech workers, aligning with the global trend of remote work adaptation.

The report also outlines Canada's most sought-after tech skills, guiding global talents looking to join. These skills encompass Customer Experience, Microsoft Azure, Analytical Skills, Amazon Web Services, React.js, Jira, Data Science, GitHub, Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Relationship Management.

Within this bustling tech landscape, Mississauga, Montreal, and Waterloo stand out as premier tech destinations, attracting both established professionals and burgeoning innovators.

1. Mississauga:

Mississauga houses nearly 1,000 IT companies in North America's second-largest ICT cluster, powered by tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, and proactive initiatives like MITAP.

2. Montreal:

Montreal's impressive 31% growth (2015-2020) as an AI and IT hub is amplified by global giants like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and a thriving gaming scene with 200+ studios.

3. Waterloo:

Waterloo, housing 1,570 tech businesses including BlackBerry and D2L, stands among the top 20 start-up ecosystems, propelled by academic prowess from the University of Waterloo.

Canada's commitment to nurturing global tech brilliance is evident through initiatives like the Tech Talent Strategy and Express Entry draws. This government initiative aims to cement Canada's position as a global tech talent magnet. The strategy unfolds through multiple avenues:

- The creation of an Innovation Stream under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

- Promotion of Canada as an enticing destination for digital nomads.

- Simplifying labor mobility for H-1B visa holders in the U.S.

- Enhancement of existing programs catering to high-skill tech professionals.

Canada's proactive approach is evident in category-based Express Entry draws that prioritize immigration candidates with STEM expertise, aligning with the country's economic needs. Starting in June 2023, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initiated these draws, with a recent one on July 5th, 2023, inviting 500 candidates scoring 486 in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to apply for permanent residence. As Canada's tech landscape teems with opportunities, it invites global talents to join its journey of innovation and growth, fostering diversity and thriving on technology.