Those who value transparency, predictability and functionality, were left shaking their heads after recent comments from Citizenship and Immigration Canada spokeswoman Sonia Lesage who recently stated that Express Entry ensures that "only candidates who are most likely to succeed- not simply the first to submit their application - are able to apply to immigrate to Canada."
This statement, coupled with a strange "matchmaking function" the government will play between employers and potential Express Entry applicants as well as lack of clarity relating to the assessment of points in the Comprehensive Ranking System for "other factors we know will help immigrants prosper in Canada" may leave both practitioners and Applicants befuddled as to the prospects for successful immigration under this program
The system, as currently set up, also could potentially result in unfair and discriminatory practices and non-optimal solutions. For example, what if country of origin is used by the government as an "other factor" to assess points in the system. This government has shown a proclivity towards favouring immigration from European or other Western countries (see work permits issued for tradesman from Ireland or young people from Australia). Could that same bias work its way into the system based on some "statistical analysis" (keep in mind that this is a government not known for statistical acumen as demonstrated by the long form census issue, cuts at Statistics Canada and their lack of accurate statistics regarding the Canadian labour market) that shows persons from those countries are more successful in Canada? Could that result in more highly educated, highly skilled professionals from non favoured countries of origin being penalized in favour of lower skilled, more lower educated applicants from favoured countries? Will the government ever publish or indicate what these additional factors are? Not likely. Looks like guesswork will be required as the transition to the Express Entry system continues.
This statement, coupled with a strange "matchmaking function" the government will play between employers and potential Express Entry applicants as well as lack of clarity relating to the assessment of points in the Comprehensive Ranking System for "other factors we know will help immigrants prosper in Canada" may leave both practitioners and Applicants befuddled as to the prospects for successful immigration under this program
The system, as currently set up, also could potentially result in unfair and discriminatory practices and non-optimal solutions. For example, what if country of origin is used by the government as an "other factor" to assess points in the system. This government has shown a proclivity towards favouring immigration from European or other Western countries (see work permits issued for tradesman from Ireland or young people from Australia). Could that same bias work its way into the system based on some "statistical analysis" (keep in mind that this is a government not known for statistical acumen as demonstrated by the long form census issue, cuts at Statistics Canada and their lack of accurate statistics regarding the Canadian labour market) that shows persons from those countries are more successful in Canada? Could that result in more highly educated, highly skilled professionals from non favoured countries of origin being penalized in favour of lower skilled, more lower educated applicants from favoured countries? Will the government ever publish or indicate what these additional factors are? Not likely. Looks like guesswork will be required as the transition to the Express Entry system continues.
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