A prominent Canadian tourism official says news that Canada will allow more student workers into the country is a big boost for the hospitality industry.
Ottawa on Thursday launched the 2023 International Experience Canada (IEC) Program with a 20% increase in the number of applicants who can apply. Applicants will be able to apply as of January 9, 2023.
IEC is a reciprocal program that allows Canadian and international youth to work and travel in each other’s countries. This increase means that nearly 90,000 candidates will be able to work and travel in Canada, including Francophone youth, which will help employers fill labour gaps, including for seasonal work opportunities in Canada’s tourism industry.
“This is great news for the tourism industry,” said Christopher Bloore, president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. “It demonstrates that the government understands the significant labour crisis that we’re facing and is actively working to prioritize the tourism industry moving forward and support operators.
“These young people will be incredible assets to the tourism industry in Ontario and, with the right communication around the benefits of IEC program, I think the impact could be significant. Of course, there is much more to do to alleviate our labour crisis, but this is an important and welcome step,” he said.
“By allowing more international youth to work and travel in Canada, the Government of Canada is helping employers, including those in the tourism industry, find the workers they need,” officials in the Trudeau government said.
“Canada has a long-standing history of supporting Canadian and international youth to travel and work abroad. IEC helps youth explore new cultures, languages, and societies, all while developing life skills and improving their job prospects for the future.”
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