Tag: Relocation to Canada

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What are the Top Calgary Industries Leading the City’s 2023 Economic Development?

Updated for 2023

What are the top Calgary industries leading the city’s 2023 economic development? For the last few years, much of the local economic news has been filled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Conference Board of Canada reported that the province of Alberta took a massive hit during the pandemic, with the most damaging effects due to the pandemic and declining global oil prices. Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, the city and the surrounding region will experience these adverse effects.

However, the population of the Calgary Metropolitan Region exceeds 1.2 million residents. As a result, both the city and the region are positioned well for significant future growth. Before the pandemic, this year was projected to be Alberta’s first year of full economic recovery.

Top Calgary Industries

According to Calgary Economic Development, 8 Key Sectors drive Calgary and Alberta’s economy. Each sector, in turn, helps Calgary industries to grow with investments and jobs.

1. Aerospace & Logistics

Calgary is home to one of Canada’s busiest airports. Also, one of the nation’s major airlines is in the city. Several Calgary companies are focused on commercializing aerospace technologies such as drones. Aerium Analytics provides Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight and analytics to address issues such as airport wildlife management, building inspections, and forestry management.

2. Agribusiness

Agribusiness is one of the top Calgary industries. This sector is poised to be the fastest-growing adopter of several transformative digital technologies. Spending on these technologies is expected to increase by 23% from 2019-2022. Decisive Farming focuses on precision agronomy, farm management, and crop marketing with services and technologies.

3. Creative Top Calgary Industries

The Calgary Film Centre is located just 25 minutes from the city’s airport. The Centre includes:

4. Energy

The energy sector represents a significant portion of the top Calgary industries. Clean technologies include those that derive from solar, wind, bioenergy, and geothermal sources. Calgary industries focusing on energy are the most well-known in the city. Alberta is Canada’s largest producer of natural gas and oil. Over 70% of the province’s CleanTech company headquarters are in Calgary.

5. Financial Services

What is FinTech? This term describes the use of new technology to improve and further automate both the delivery and use of financial services. It may also include concepts such as cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Companies like Bitfury are leading the effort in implementing blockchain technology and artificial intelligence solutions.

6. Interactive Digital Media

Over 60 companies in Calgary produce video games and/or immersive media products. The Calgary Game Developers Association has over 800 members and represents a strong talent pool.

7. Life Sciences Top Calgary Industries

There are over 110 life science companies in Calgary, making for a sizable segment of the top Calgary industries. Oncolytics Biotech Inc. is developing an immuno-oncolytic virus to kill cancer. The Calgary Cancer Centre is scheduled to open in 2023. The centre will increase capacity and add to Calgary’s leading role in cancer services.

8. Technology

Calgary businesses are projected to spend $7.5B on digital transformation (DX) from 2019-2023, representing a 20% compound annual growth rate. What is DX? DX refers to applying new technologies to change work processes and customer experiences and enhance value. It’s not just making current technologies work better in a defined process. It uses new technologies to change the function and gain advantages through innovation and disruption.

What Should Employers in the Top Calgary Industries Do?

Employers in the top Calgary industries should examine their employment needs as economic growth fosters competition for job seekers with requisite skills and training. They should review their relocation program to determine if it benefits their talent acquisition goals and corporate objectives. Employers should work with a Relocation Management Company with the knowledge and expertise to help them design a relocation program promoting talent acquisition.

GMS has recently published several Industry Benchmarking Studies to help employers in the top Calgary industries learn whether their company’s relocation program is designed following industry-specific best practices. There are many benefits to a corporate relocation policy benchmarking. For example, employers can learn how they can ensure their competitiveness in their industry to attract and retain talent with the highest level of skills and experience.

Industry best practice is to schedule a relocation program and policy review every 12 to 18 months to ensure your company maintains its competitive position. This review will also help your company learn how the relocation industry is evolving to meet increased employee demands.

Stay up-to-date with GMs

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop hiring and recruiting programs to attract highly skilled job seekers. Our team can help your company determine how to attract job seekers looking for employment opportunities in any of the top Calgary industries.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s recruiting, hiring, and relocation program needs as they relate to the top Calgary industries, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Are you ready to talk to a Mobility Pro? Learn how GMS can optimize your mobility program, enhance your policies to meet today’s unique challenges, receive an in-depth industry benchmark, or simply ask us a question. Your Mobility Pro will be in touch within 1 business day for a no-pressure, courtesy consultation.

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Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Visas and International Travel

Canada Immigration Alternatives in Response to Proclamation 10014

A young heterosexual Indian couple are together standing in front of a white brick wall. They smile at the camera and proudly hold up the Canadian flag.

US employers looking to hire foreign nationals but limited by Proclamation 10014 might consider Canada immigration alternatives. By leveraging “nearshoring,” employers can use a unique and creative temporary solution. Countries near the US often have immigration policies that are less restrictive than those of Proclamation 10014.

What are Canada Immigration Alternatives?

GMS spoke with Michelle LePage, Founder/Managing Partner and Senior Global Administration Advisor at Global Mobility Partners, LLC. Michelle agreed to share her industry knowledge and immigration expertise on Canada immigration alternatives.

What is Proclamation 10014?

On April 22, 2020, the Trump Administration unveiled Proclamation 10014. The proclamation is sometimes referred to as “Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Who Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.” Additionally, as of June 22 this proclamation is subject to continuance through December 31, 2020. These proclamations serve to limit entry of foreign nationals under several classes of immigration visas, including:

  • H-1B Specialty Occupations
  • H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers
  • H-4 Dependent Spouses and Unmarried Children Under 21
  • J-1 Exchange Visitors
  • L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
  • L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge

These classes of immigration visas include several that are in wide use among technology industry companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Salesforce, and Twitter. Google alone is responsible for over 6,500 applications for H-1B visas in 2019. In theory, Proclamation 10014 should drive these companies to hire workers that are already in the US. However, Canada immigration alternatives might provide another avenue for highly skilled foreign nationals.

What are Canada Immigration Alternatives?

US employers with foreign national employees may be able to use Canada immigration alternatives that will bring/keep the employee close to the US. For employers that can meet the requisite criteria, a number of benefits may accrue, including:

The ease of immigration into Canada versus the US makes Canada immigration alternatives a particularly viable option for US employers.

What are the Key Criteria?

At Global Mobility Partners, LLC, we have created a number of helpful documents that describe the requirements for various countries. For Canada, the primary immigration category for temporary expatriates is covered by an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit. ICTs are designed specifically for foreign nationals who are temporarily transferred by their employer to an affiliate office in Canada for a temporary work assignment. A major benefit of the ICT is that it does not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment.

Our Canada Work Authorization Summary Sheet notes three key criteria:

  • Employee must meet minimum education and/or experience requirements in order to qualify as either a Specialized Knowledge Worker or a Manager
  • Must be transferred to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the current employer
  • Employee must have worked continuously for the current employer at least one year in the preceding 3 years in a position similar to the Canadian position

Canada immigration alternatives such as the ICT are initially valid for 1-2 years, but may be extended:

  • Up to 5 years for a Specialized Knowledge Worker
  • Up to 7 years for a Manager

What Should US Employers do About Canada Immigration Alternatives?

Because of the specific requirements in the immigration process, we recommend US employers contact us before taking action. There are several important points for employers to note. For example, Canada has strict limits on allowable activities for business visitors. Also, any criminal history may render a foreigner as inadmissible to Canada depending on the nature of the infraction and length of time passed. A thorough legal analysis will determine if this is applicable. Consultation with an expert from Global Mobility Partners, LLC, will help US employers to develop effective plans and solutions for Canada immigration alternatives.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients learn about important issues such as visa and immigration options for their organization. Our mobility consulting team can help your company understand if it can leverage Canada immigration alternatives with the assistance of the experts at Global Mobility Partners, LLC.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a “.com.” The company also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation® technology platform.

Contact our experts online to learn more about Canada immigration alternatives, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

We're Here to Help! Request a Courtesy Visa Program Consultation

Properly managing a visa and immigration program involves meticulous coordination, precise communication, and worldwide interaction with government agencies, corporate personnel, and relocating employees.

At GMS, we provide you with peace of mind in knowing your mobility program is fully compliant and being managed by the best in the industry.

Request a no-pressure, courtesy consultation from a GMS Mobility Pro. We’ll be in touch within 1 business day.

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Global Mobility Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Trends Immigration Rules Visas and International Travel

Canada Immigration Issues May Impact the Upcoming Federal Government Election

A young heterosexual Indian couple are together standing in front of a white brick wall. They smile at the camera and proudly hold up the Canadian flag.

Canada immigration may be a major factor in the country’s upcoming federal government election scheduled for Monday October 21, 2019. National policy has been changing to encourage immigration. For example, the government of Ontario created an immigration pilot initiative to attract highly skilled immigrants. As a result, these immigrants are encouraged to locate to smaller cities and towns throughout the Ontario Province. Also, while immigrants currently comprise about 20% of the Canadian population, the nation’s Immigration Plan seeks to add over 1 million immigrants by the end of 2021.

Why is Canada Seeking to Add Immigrants?

Canada seeks to add immigrants for several reasons, including:

  • Canada immigration results in significant and measurable contributions to the nation
  • Over the next several years the ratio of working people to retired will decline:
    • Current ratio working/retired: 4 to 1
    • Future ratio working/retired: 2.5 to 1
  • The declining working population will impair the nation’s ability to fund social programs
  • Future economic growth depends on welcoming and integrating immigrants

Toronto has achieved a “Tech Talent Rank” of #3 in the top fifty U.S. and Canadian cities for tech workers. Part of this achievement is due to job growth, and part is due to an increasing supply of talent. Toronto’s tech market has benefited from Canada’s Global Talent Stream. The Global Talent Stream is part of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy, which helps companies grow by ensuring a ready pool of skilled and qualified workers.

What are the Challenges with Canada Immigration?

Canada’s current government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party has instituted several pro-immigration policies. However, there has been a dramatic increase in Canada immigration and asylum seekers following the Trump Administration’s election in the United States. Several thousand asylum seekers have illegally crossed into Canada, with several seeking refugee status. Challenges include provisions for housing, severely delayed entry timetables, and expanding populations of job seekers in cities such as Quebec and Toronto.

Diverging opinions on the issues have arisen from other political parties. Some of these political parties support alternative policy approaches such as:

  1. The Green Party opposes Liberal efforts to close asylum loopholes
  2. The Conservative Party has questioned the legitimacy of many asylum seekers
  3. The New Democratic Party seeks to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement with the US so asylum seekers go through authorized ports of entry

What Should Employers do About Canada Immigration Issues?

Companies currently in Canada should continue to stay informed about the various immigration policies that political parties support. Representatives of Canada’s business community have requested the political parties tone down their rhetoric on immigration issues. Many of Canada’s businesses need immigrant workers to grow and expand, especially at times of low unemployment. Several organizations have publicly noted their support for increased Canada immigration.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to grow their company’s international employment. Our team can also help your company understand how to respond to current policies and potential changes to Canada immigration.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s interest in learning more about Canada immigration issues, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Global Mobility Global Relocation Trends Immigration Rules Job Market Job Seekers Labor Force Talent Management Talent Mobility Visas and International Travel

Toronto Tech Talent Ranking Rises to Third Spot

Software developers solving a problem

CBRE’s annual “Scoring Tech Talent Report” shows Toronto tech talent ranks at #3 in the top fifty U.S. and Canadian cities for tech workers. The report measures cities based on several criteria, including:

  1. Job Growth
  2. Supply of Talent
  3. Tech Degrees Awarded to Graduates

CBRE is a worldwide leader in real estate services that traces its roots to San Francisco, California, in the year 1906. Over time, the company formed CB Commercial, acquired REI Limited (the international division of Richard Ellis), and continued growing to become CB Richard Ellis, also known as CBRE. CBRE Group, Inc. is the largest commercial real estate services company and investment firm in the world.

Growth in Toronto Tech Talent

Over the past five years, Toronto tech talent rose at the fastest rate of all cites in the ranking. The report notes that 80,100 new tech jobs have been created in Toronto, indicating a 54% rate of increase. The top six tech companies in Toronto are:

  1. Ecobee
  2. Top Hat
  3. Shopify
  4. Ubisoft
  5. Cisco
  6. Oracle

Highlight on Toronto Tech Talent at Ecobee

Ecobee was founded in 2007 and has become a market leader in home automation. Products include smart thermostats that conserve energy and help customers reduce their heating and cooling bills. This market is expected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.1% for the time period 2019-2024.

As a result, the market growth rate will increase demand for Ecobee’s products, in turn creating greater demand for Toronto tech talent. Ecobee currently lists several career opportunities in fields such as product technology, software development, engineering, account management, and technical support. Ecobee products interact with other smart home products such as Amazon’s Alexa. In order to interact with Alexa, Ecobee developers must learn how to connect with the service, or integrate it directly into the company’s products such as the Ecobee4 Smart Thermostat.

Toronto Tech Talent Grows with Canada’s Global Talent Stream

One reason that Toronto tech talent has been able to grow as fast as it has is due to Canada’s Global Talent Stream. This program is part of the nation’s Global Skills Strategy, designed to help companies grow by ensuring a ready pool of qualified talent. Eligible workers can start work in Canada at a faster pace with two-week processing of work permit applications. Global Talent Stream program eligibility requirements for employers include:

Category A

  1. Referral by a Stream Designated Partner
  2. Hiring of talent noted as unique and specialized

Category B

  1. Hiring highly-skilled foreign workers for jobs noted on the Global Talent Occupations List

What Does This Mean?

Canada actively seeks to encourage immigration of highly-skilled foreign workers to the country. The nation believes its future success is highly dependent on welcoming immigrants, as well as ensuring they fully integrate into society. Ontario, where Toronto is located, also focuses on attracting skilled workers to smaller cities and towns throughout the province.

Tech industry companies benefit from the nation’s progressive immigration policies. As a result of these policies, Toronto tech talent will continue to grow. Also, a pool of qualified workers is readily available to support corporate growth initiatives.

What Should Employers do to Leverage Toronto Tech Talent?

Employers in Toronto should review their company’s growth plans and requirements for tech industry jobs. They should also review their talent acquisition and management programs. This will help ensure these programs align with a growing number of highly skilled foreign workers.

Employers outside of Toronto should investigate the services of an International PEO. Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) can provide expert assistance to employers looking to expand their corporate presence in Canada.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees. Our team can help your company determine how to benefit from Canada’s focus on increasing Toronto tech talent.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Global Mobility Solutions is proud to be named and ranked #1 Overall, and #1 in Quality of Service by HRO Today’s 2019 Baker’s Dozen Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts. Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s interest in benefiting from the growth of Toronto tech talent, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Other Services

Our Technology

Global Relocation

Group Moves

U.S. & Canadian Relocation

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

About

Contact Us

About Us

GMS Client Login

Privacy Policy

Address

Global Mobility Solutions
15333 N. Pima Road
Scottsdale AZ, 85260

1.800.617.1904
Available 24/7/365

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