Canada's Tech Hub Expands by 32,000 Newcomers

A recent report published by TECNA and CTN delves into the migration of tech professionals and job opportunities in Canada. The report reveals that Canada has attracted 32,000 tech workers, primarily from India and Nigeria, due to its immigration-friendly policies and labor cost advantages.

Uncover the dynamic surge in Canada's tech ecosystem, as it attracts a remarkable influx of 32,000 tech professionals in just a year. Delve into the comprehensive insights laid bare by The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s Tech Network (CTN), revealing the preferred tech destinations and the tapestry of the nation's tech realm.

• *TECNA - A collective voice for around 60 IT and Technology trade groups, representing over 22,000 technology companies in North America.
• *CTN - Comprises 28 innovation hubs across the nation, united in their mission to bolster Canada's tech entrepreneurs.

The report's focus revolves around understanding how globalization and remote work dynamics have impacted tech occupation migration. The COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in reshaping traditional tech hubs as remote work gains prominence, contributing to talent dispersion.

For Canada, the report underlines its allure for tech talent, largely attributed to its welcoming immigration policies and favorable labor costs. From April 2022 to March 2023, more than 32,000 skilled professionals relocated to Canada.

The largest influx hails from the following countries marking the top sources of Canadian-bound talent.

1. India (15,097 tech workers)
2. Nigeria (1,808 tech workers)
3. Brazil (1,675 tech workers)
4. Ukraine (1,207 tech workers)
5. Philippines (1,129 tech workers)
6. Iran (1,046 tech workers)
7. France (935 tech workers)
8. UAE (744 tech workers)
9. Hong Kong SAR (715 tech workers)
10. Pakistan (588 tech workers)

In 2022, Canada boasted a robust tech workforce, with over 400,000 software developers. Remarkably, the tech industry's growth is not confined to major cities; smaller provinces like Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador have also experienced significant year-over-year tech workforce growth at 16.3%.

Which Cities are Canada's Tech Hotspots?

The TECNA/CTN report ranks Mississauga, Montreal, and Waterloo among the top three. Here's a quick look at what makes each city attractive for tech talent:

1. Mississauga

• Home to nearly 1,000 IT companies and over 300,000 tech professionals.
• Hosts global tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM.
• Supported by initiatives like the Mississauga Innovation and Technology Acceleration Program (MITAP).
• Expecting 33% population growth by 2051, ensuring a continuous supply of tech talent.

2. Montreal

• A thriving tech ecosystem with 31% growth from 2015 to 2020.
• A major hub for AI and IT, housing Google, Microsoft, and more.
• Over 200 game development studios, including Ubisoft.
• Boasts academic support with around 18,000 students enrolled in tech programs.

3. Waterloo

• Houses 1,570+ tech-related businesses, including BlackBerry and D2L.
• Ranked in the top 20 start-up ecosystems globally.
• Universities like Waterloo, Laurier, and Conestoga contribute to a skilled tech workforce.
• High quality of life and venture capital investment attract and retain top talent.

Top Tech Skills In-demand Across Canada

A report by TECNA and CTN has revealed the most sought-after technological skills in Canada. These skills include:

1. Customer Experience
2. Microsoft Azure
3. Analytical Skills
4. Amazon Web Services
5. React.js
6. Jira
7. Data Science
8. GitHub
9. Customer Satisfaction
10. Customer Relationship Management

Top Companies That Hired Tech Workers in Canada

These top companies have made their mark by attracting and hiring a notable number of tech workers within the country.

1. TD
2. RBC
3. Scotiabank
4. Amazon
5. Bell
6. Microsoft
7. Oracle
8. IBM

Category-Based Express Entry Draws for Tech Occupations

Starting June 28, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initiated category-focused Express Entry draws targeting federal immigration candidates in line with Canada's key economic and demographic requisites. One of the selected categories for 2023 spotlights candidates with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) work experience, in sync with Canada's pursuit of global tech expertise.

The table below displays the Category-Based Express Entry draws that have taken place up until this point.

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