Internationally educated nurses (IENs) continue to face significant barriers to entering the workforce in Canada, despite a critical shortage of nursing professionals. As the demand for healthcare workers surges, particularly in Ontario, the challenges faced by these skilled immigrants highlight systemic issues within the nation's immigration and employment framework. Rupa Banerjee, an associate professor specializing in human resource management, emphasizes the urgent need for pre-arrival support to aid immigrants in transitioning smoothly into the Canadian job market.
Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, adds to this narrative by asserting that immigrants should be recognized not just as "takers" but as "makers" who contribute significantly to society. Despite this potential, economic immigrants, including skilled nurses, remain among the most likely to leave Canada due to unmet professional aspirations and systemic barriers.
Rodolfo Lastimosa Jr.'s journey underscores these challenges. Arriving in Toronto in 2011 with a master's degree in nursing, Lastimosa found himself navigating a complex system that hindered his ability to practice his profession. Similarly, Junarose Guerrero, a nurse from the Philippines holding a master's degree in nursing, faced restrictions that limited her practice to serving a single employer. Her situation only improved during the COVID-19 pandemic when eased restrictions allowed her to extend her services to other older adults in need.
The College of Nurses of Ontario and the Canadian Institute for Health Information both report that Ontario requires an additional 26,000 registered nurses to meet provincial healthcare demands. Despite this urgent need, IENs face numerous obstacles before they can contribute to alleviating this shortage. The Filipino Nurses Association of Canada actively works to support Filipino-Canadian nurses through mentorship and advocacy, yet systemic change remains necessary.
Laura Lam's research into foreign workers employed through digital gig labor platforms sheds light on the broader experiences of skilled immigrants in Canada. She remarks on the inefficiencies of current practices, stating:
"It just seems like a waste—like a brain waste, to me."
Lam highlights the profound disconnect between the skills immigrants bring and the opportunities available to them:
"I think it really is that tension I found that makes me so sad at times. You hear people who are willing to pay back and give to the health care system but unable to do so, and yet they’re still trying."
Rupa Banerjee stresses that dissatisfaction among immigrant communities has far-reaching implications:
"It's hardly ideal to have entire communities of immigrants who are dissatisfied and disappointed."
She further asserts that this issue transcends individual well-being:
"This is not just about immigrants’ well-being and quality of life; this is about Canada’s well-being and quality of life."
Mark Gravoso echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the mutual dependency between Canada and its immigrant population.
"We haven’t caught up to the fact that our country, with its aging population, often needs immigrants more than they need us."
The Institute for Canadian Citizenship's research corroborates these views, revealing substantial investments made into each newcomer. Yet, Canada's outdated immigration model continues to prioritize newcomers with specialized skills over those with in-demand skills.
