Flair Airlines | Canada's Population Growth | Minimum Wage Increases | Recommendations and more!

?? Spring has sprung, and so has our latest newsletter!

It's time to read about the latest insights, trends, and news. In this edition, we will delve into Canadian news on immigration, work and HR!

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Flair Airlines: Canada's Lone Low-Cost Carrier Takes Flight

With the departure of Lynx Air, Flair Airlines emerges as Canada's solitary low-cost carrier, facing both challenges and opportunities in the competitive airline industry.

CEO Stephen Jones emphasizes Flair's unique position: "We are the sole low-cost carrier left in the market, and it’s a great place to be." Despite obstacles like hefty airport fees, Jones remains optimistic about Flair's future and its appeal to "price-sensitive customers."

Jacques Roy, a professor at HEC Montreal, acknowledges the complexities of the Canadian aviation market, citing factors such as vast distances between cities and high fees. However, he expresses hope for Flair's success, highlighting the need for increased competition.

Former Air Canada COO Duncan Dee outlines the financial constraints facing low-cost carriers in Canada: "It’s virtually impossible for ultra-low-cost carriers like Flair to take a page out of their American, European, Asian counterparts, which are able to use extremely low fares to stimulate the market."

Despite these obstacles, Jones remains upbeat about Flair's prospects, noting a surge in demand following Lynx's closure. With travellers prioritizing affordability, Flair's competitive pricing could position it as a significant player in Canada's aviation landscape.

Flair Airlines navigates a unique landscape, aiming to offer affordable travel options while overcoming regulatory and financial barriers. As the sole low-cost carrier in Canada, Flair's journey reflects the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the ever-evolving aviation sector.

Immigration Minister Pushes for More In-Canada Immigration Draws

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has signalled his intent to prioritize more “domestic draws” for temporary residents already in Canada, positioning them as candidates for permanent residence (PR).

The concept of “draws” refers to selection rounds for PR through pathways like Express Entry managed programs. Here, candidates from a pool are chosen based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, specific professional experience, or French language ability, and invitations are issued to apply (ITAs) for PR.

Miller's announcement forms part of a broader strategy to manage temporary resident levels in Canada, aiming to alleviate pressures on critical support sectors such as housing and healthcare. Temporary residents encompass foreign nationals living or working in Canada non-permanent, including those on work or study permits.

“As part of our efforts for temporary residents to transition to permanent residency, we will have more domestic draws for us (the federal government) and ask provinces and territories taking part in the Provincial Nominee Program to do the same with their allocations,” Miller stated.

This shift could benefit newcomers already residing in Canada on work or study permits. While the exact policy implications remain uncertain, Canada's immigration system has historically favoured candidates already in the country.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted the largest Express Entry draw in its history, issuing 27,332 ITAs to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a CRS score of 75—lower than typical CRS scores for Express Entry draws. The CEC targets candidates who have integrated into Canada's labour market and society.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also prioritize individuals who have begun integrating into Canadian life, often inviting candidates residing in their respective jurisdictions.

Miller's initiative aims to select candidates with better immigration outcomes, leveraging pre-immigration Canadian experience, while meeting immigration targets without exacerbating pressures on the economy and critical support sectors like housing and healthcare.

Canada's Population Growth Hits Record High in 2023

Canada experienced its fastest population growth since the 1950s, driven primarily by a surge in temporary residents, according to Statistics Canada's recent report.

In 2023, Canada's population soared by 3.2 percent, reaching 40,769,890 as of January 1, 2024, marking the highest growth rate since 1957. This growth rate, unprecedented in developed countries since the 1950s, parallels immigration booms experienced by countries like Israel in the 1960s and Ireland in the mid-2000s.

Statistics Canada attributed 97.6 percent of the population growth to immigration, with 471,771 immigrants settling in the country and 804,901 temporary residents, mainly foreign workers, contributing significantly. Quebec witnessed substantial growth, with 2.5 percent increase, primarily driven by immigration.

Notably, Alberta saw the highest population growth at 4.3 percent, followed by Prince Edward Island at 3.6 percent. Despite losing residents to other provinces, Ontario's population grew by 3.4 percent, while Alberta experienced the largest gain from interprovincial migration since 1972.

The surge in temporary residents, including foreign workers, asylum seekers, and international students, contributed substantially to Quebec's population growth. The province now hosts around 560,000 temporary residents, setting consecutive records for two years.

While births slightly outnumbered deaths across Canada, the influx of newcomers significantly impacted population growth. Quebec's demographer Frederic Payeur emphasized the unprecedented scale of growth, attributing it to a combination of immigration and temporary residency.

The inflow of temporary residents underscores Canada's attractiveness for international talent and its resilience amidst global challenges. As Canada continues to welcome newcomers, its demographic landscape continues to evolve, shaping the nation's future trajectory.

Federal Minimum Wage Increases to $17.30 per Hour on April 1

Ensuring fair wages for all Canadians remains a cornerstone of economic policy as the federal minimum wage is set to rise to $17.30 per hour on April 1, 2024. This adjustment, up from $16.65, mirrors the 3.9% increase in Canada’s annual average Consumer Price Index for 2023, aligning with inflationary trends.

The hike will directly benefit around 30,000 employees in the federally regulated private sector, offering relief to individuals navigating part-time, temporary, or low-wage employment. Employers must update their payroll systems to guarantee compliance with the new rate, ensuring that all employees, including interns, receive the adjusted hourly wage from April 1, 2024. Where provincial or territorial minimum wage rates surpass the federal standard, employers must adhere to the higher rate.

Minister of Labour and Seniors, Seamus O’Regan Jr. states, “Everyone’s feeling the pinch of inflation. So, wages must keep up with the cost of living.”

The federal minimum wage, introduced in 2021, undergoes annual adjustments based on Canada’s annual average Consumer Price Index from the preceding calendar year. In 2022, it rose to $15.55, followed by an increase to $16.65 in 2023.

Beyond wage adjustments, the Government of Canada is proactively addressing workplace fairness, inclusivity, and safety. Initiatives include the implementation of the Pay Equity Act to ensure equitable pay for comparable work, enhancing job protections for gig workers, and mandating salary data reporting for large employers under the Employment Equity Act. Additionally, the Equi’Vision platform has been launched, providing transparent data on workforce representation rates and pay disparities experienced by marginalized groups in the federally regulated private sector.

As the minimum wage increase takes effect, these measures collectively reinforce Canada’s commitment to fostering equitable and sustainable workplaces nationwide.

The Art of Crossing Cultures" by Craig Storti

For individuals navigating the complexities of living and working abroad, "The Art of Crossing Cultures" by Craig Storti serves as an invaluable guide. In this thoroughly revised and expanded 2022 edition, Storti illuminates the personal challenges of adapting to a new culture, providing insights drawn from the experiences of some of the world's greatest thinkers.

Whether in business, diplomacy, education, or as a long-term visitor, the book underscores the universal nature of the adjustment process, offering practical strategies for anticipating cultural differences, managing expectations, and fostering successful cross-cultural interactions. With a focus on bridging the cultural divide, the book presents an easy-to-understand model of cultural adjustment, accompanied by real-life examples and tips for developing adaptive strategies.

"The Art of Crossing Cultures" offers invaluable insights into the nuances of cultural adaptation, helping them navigate the challenges of international assignments with confidence and competence. From dealing with country and culture shock to mastering the art of cross-cultural communication, this essential resource equips readers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in diverse global environments.

"Relocation-the woes, the grows and glows" | Lisl Foss' TEDxALC Talk

In her compelling TEDxALC Talk titled "Relocation - the woes, the grows, and glows," Lisl Foss sheds light on the emotional rollercoaster often experienced by individuals undergoing relocation. With over two decades of experience as a psychologist, Foss brings a wealth of insight into the intricacies of this life-changing transition.

Foss delves into the predictable patterns of emotions associated with relocation, reassuring listeners that their experiences are part of a shared journey. By acknowledging and understanding these emotional adjustments, she offers valuable guidance on navigating the challenges of relocating to a new environment.

Drawing from her own personal journey of leaving behind her life in South Africa to pursue a new chapter in Mauritius, Foss emphasizes the disruptive nature of relocation. She advises against comparing the new life to the familiar comforts of the past, urging individuals to embrace authenticity and pursue activities that bring joy amidst the upheaval.

As Foss aptly says, "Never compare your new life with your world back home." Instead, she advocates for daily acts of self-care and staying true to oneself, which can ultimately attract like-minded individuals in the new environment.

With her expertise in psychology and firsthand experience as a seasoned traveller, Foss offers invaluable insights that resonate deeply with anyone undergoing or contemplating relocation. Whether you're an individual embarking on a new journey or an organization considering relocation for your employees, Foss' TED Talk serves as a beacon of wisdom and comfort during times of transition. We highly recommend this talk to anyone navigating the complexities of relocation, as it provides a reassuring perspective and practical advice for embracing the journey ahead.

Global Mobility Services: Destination Tenancy Management

Discover the power of Global Mobility with All Points, your trusted partner in facilitating seamless employee relocation worldwide. With our comprehensive suite of services, we empower your workforce to excel no matter where their career takes them.

As your assignee embarks on their global assignment, their focus should be solely on the task at hand. All Points’ On-Assignment Services are designed to ensure just that. Within our suite of offerings lies Destination Tenancy Management—a crucial component of our relocation support.

Navigating the intricacies of leasing agreements in a foreign country can be daunting, especially when faced with language barriers. Our Destination Tenancy Management services alleviate these concerns by serving as a liaison between your assignee and their landlord. From managing monthly lease payments to addressing ongoing repair and maintenance needs, we proactively resolve issues before they escalate, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the assignment period.

Moreover, we take the hassle out of lease management by overseeing lease renewals, extensions, and terminations as needed. Our team is dedicated to facilitating smooth transitions, whether it involves extending a lease to accommodate project extensions or facilitating the end of a tenancy upon completion of the assignment.

With All Points by your side, you can trust that your employees will have the support they need to focus on their professional responsibilities while we handle the logistics of their relocation with precision and care. Contact us to learn more.?