TORONTO - Immigration reforms proposed last month would foster stronger bonds with such emerging industrial powers as India, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said last night.
Speaking at a gala held by the Canada India Foundation, the Prime Minister promised the changes tabled by the Conservative government to streamline the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act would bring skilled workers from India more effectively.
If nothing is done, the backlog of applicants from around the world could grow to 1.5 million within five years, he said.
"Not only is the backlog a source of great irritation for those patiently waiting their turn, it will hold back Canada's growth," said Mr. Harper.
Canada's backlog of immigration applicants is about 925,000, the longest in the world, with an average wait time of six years.
The government's proposed amendments -- which would ease skill shortages in the country and drastically reduce the wait list -- would allow in skilled workers from growing nations such as India. These migrants are flocking to countries that clock wait times of months, not years, he said.
Naresh Raghubeer, a member of the Canada India Foundation,
said the bill strikes the right balance between targeting immigrants based on skill and on humanitarian grounds.
He said the Indo-Canadian community, which "is a very educated community," has welcomed the reforms.
Since 2006, Canada has accepted nearly 250,000 immigrants, 56,000 of whom were from India.
Mr. Harper's comments followed an announcement that Canada is to open two new trade offices in India, including one in India's southern technology hub, Hyderabad, to improve trade relations with the country.
"We simply as a country cannot afford to miss out on the Indian economic phenomenon," Mr. Harper said.
Last night's inaugural gala dinner was held in recognition of Sam Pitroda, the recipient of the Canada India Foundation Chanchlani Global Indian Award.
The award will be presented annually to an outstanding Indian who has demonstrated global leadership, vision and personal excellence.
mcoutts@nationalpost.com
