Suppose you’ve been on the job hunt in recent months you know how difficult it is to find a position in Ontario these days. From layoffs to downsizing and an increased size in the talent pool with fewer full-time roles available, the job market is over-saturated and under-supplied. Not only is it difficult to find a position due to the current nature of the economy, but many are restricted by the requirement of possessing Canadian work experience described in job postings and applications. In recent news, Ontario is set to introduce new legislation prohibiting employers from requiring Canadian work experience in job postings and applications.
Ontario set to ban employers from requiring Canadian work experience
On November 9, 2023, the Government of Ontario announced legislation that would ban employers from requiring Canadian work experience in job postings and applications. According to their website, “proposed changes would help qualified newcomers fill labour shortages in health care and other in-demand industries.” If the proposed legislation is passed, Ontario would become the very first province to include provisions on Canadian experience in labour legislation.
“For far too long, too many people arriving in Canada have been funnelled toward dead-end jobs they’re overqualified for. We need to ensure these people can land well-paying and rewarding careers that help tackle the labour shortage,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “When newcomers to Ontario get a meaningful chance to contribute, everyone wins.”
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Qualified candidates are often left behind in the interview process as they are weeded out by an employer’s requirement for Canadian experience in their job postings. The proposed legislation aims to be more inclusive and attempts to limit barriers for qualified candidates. There have been over 162,000 new immigrants to Ontario from January through September of 2023 and Ontario is on a mission to utilize new talent to its full potential.
“By banning Canadian work experience requirements in job postings, Ontario, through Premier Ford and Minister Piccini’s leadership, is leading the country in breaking down barriers to make it easier for internationally-trained immigrants to find meaningful work and contribute to building Ontario. This change will help support families as they start their journey in their new homes, create more vibrant communities and help ensure businesses have the talent they need,” said Michael Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.
