backlog

From today's Star:

While Canada is facing a growing shortage of skilled workers, the federal government is proposing only a modest increase to immigration levels and has ruled out any amnesty for illegal workers already in the country.

At the same time, the backlog of immigrants hoping to come to Canada has swelled to 800,000, up 100,000 in the past year, a mark of this country's appeal to newcomers and the processing time within the department.

Immigration Minister Monte Solberg admits that his department's annual report — released yesterday — holds few answers for meeting the labour needs of Canada's economy.

For the sixth year in a row, the department's annual report confirms that Canada beat its immigration target last year, accepting 262,236 new permanent residents, just above its target range of 220,000 to 245,000. That's up 11 per cent over the 235,824 residents accepted in 2004.

Next year, Canada has set a goal of admitting between 240,000 and 265,000 new residents, according to the report tabled in the Commons.

More here.