OTTAWA -- A newly released government study suggests newcomers to the country have misgivings about Ottawa's efforts to ensure would-be immigrants possess skills that are in demand in Canada.
In an Ipsos Reid study commissioned by Citizenship and Immigration earlier this year, the respondents wondered why Ottawa isn't doing more to find jobs for qualified immigrants already here.
Under the new express entry system, launching in January, Canadian employers will be able to hire skilled candidates from abroad if there are no Canadians or permanent residents available.
It's a move the government hopes will reduce the need for temporary foreign workers and help address the country's supposed skills shortage.
But the study suggests newcomers aren't sold on the new system.
The respondents, in 14 focus groups in seven cities across Canada, also questioned the integrity of the process.
They wondered what mechanisms will be put in place to guard against the potential for fraudulent behaviour by both the applicant and the potential employer.
Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander has been meeting the stakeholders and business leaders for months in advance of the launch of the express entry program.
