Canada favored immigration destination in 2011

According to Canadian Government officials, immigration levels will be higher than ever as the population ages and the birth rates stay low. Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney, expects between 240,000 and 265,000 new permanent residents in 2011. "Canada's post recession economy demands a high level of legal immigration to keep our workforce strong. All of the country's labor force growth will come from immigration within the next five years," said Kenney. Expectations in 2011 show the Federal Skilled Worker Programme to be the most popular means of entry. An estimated 25% of newcomers will be destined for provinces outside of Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec; this is an increase from 1997 at 11%. The Federal Skilled Worker Programme accepts workers in such fields as technicians, skilled tradespersons, managers and professionals.