QUEENS PARK — NDP Shadow Minister for Women's Social and Economic Opportunity, Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale —High Park) and NDP MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo) are calling for improved processing times and added support for the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) after businesses and workers continue to experience long wait times that are hurting the Ontario economy and workers.
“Ontario needs workers who have skills that aren't currently available in enough numbers domestically,” said Gilmour. “This program was designed to address gaps in our economy by recruiting from overseas to strengthen the provincial workforce.
“The government's OINP changes over the past couple of years have created chaos and have done nothing to address processing delays. Talented workers have been left disappointed, Ontario's reputation has been compromised overseas, and the province's economic needs are not being met quickly enough.”
“My office has dozens of open OINP cases with applicants who have been waiting too long for a decision, including some who have been waiting more than a year,” said Fife. “Processing timeframes are hidden because the Ford government can't meet them.
“Employers need the government to be strategic about employment gaps, and they need it to act quickly so businesses can respond promptly to rapidly changing market needs. Enough with the processing delays, it’s time to support Ontario businesses and our workforce.”