Over 32,000 newcomers in Canada were admitted to the global tech field in one year, i.e., from April 2022 to March 2023. This data was given by TECNA & CTN. Today, we will discuss some of the top destinations for newcomers in Canada in the global tech field. Further, we will delve deep into the tech industry landscape in the nation. 

Detailed Analysis Of TECNA & CTN Report 

Canada has enticed numerous tech workers because of immigration-friendly national policy & labor cost advantage. 

In addition, globalization has highly affected the migration of tech professionals in North America. According to the report, the increase in remote work has led tech talents to move away from the conventional tech hubs frequently. 

Moreover, the report also stated that the net in-migration of tech talent remains strong, primarily from India, Brazil, & Nigeria. However, another reason for this booming tech industry is the investment it receives from the US-based industries. These investments have significantly increased because of compensation disparity & geographical proximity. 

Last year, Canada had over 400,000 software developers, resulting in the growth of the national tech force not just in bigger Canadian markets but in smaller provinces as well. Areas like Saskatchewan, Newfoundland & Labrador, etc., have experienced the most rapid growth in tech workforce, with a growth of over 16.3%. 

Furthermore, smaller rural Canadian cities, i.e., Windsor, have also witnessed significant growth over the last year. Well, this reflects a transition towards rural locations because of the increase in remote work across North America.  

Note: Windsor has witnessed a 28% growth in tech professionals over the last year. 

Lastly, the joint report from CTN & TECNA reveals that the most sought-after tech skills in Canada include analytical skills, Microsoft Azure, consumer experience, Amazon web services, GitHub, consumer relationship management, etc. This data can be helpful for global tech talent seeking to make a move to Canada in future. 

Where Are Canada’s ‘Most Attractive’ Tech Hubs? 

The report given by TECNA & CTN highlighted some of the most attractive tech hubs for newcomers in Canada in the global tech field. It is a ranking which includes two cities in Ontario & one city in Quebec. 

Moreover, the report ranked Mississauga in the first place, followed by Montreal & Waterloo. 

Here is a deep insight into these top three cities. 

  • Mississauga 

Mississauga is a city which is home to around 1,000 companies in the IT sector. Moreover, it is the second-largest information & communication technology cluster, with over 300,000 tech professionals in the region. 

Home to operations of recognized IT companies, the tech innovation in this region is supported by strong local government initiatives, like MITAP, i.e., Mississauga Innovation & Technology Acceleration Program. 

MITAP is a technology sector program that offers funding, mentorship, & resources to local start-ups.   

From a growth perspective, Mississauga is home to growing tech firms like Infosys, SOTI, HCL Technologies, etc. Looking at the population growth projection, we can say that this city will be home to over 995,000 people by 2051. This region promises to produce a continuous supply of tech talent going forward into the near & distant future. 

  • Montreal 

Montreal has the strongest tech ecosystems in Canada. Being the second-largest tech market, this city is known as a major hub for AI & IT. In addition, more than 200 game development studios, like Ubisoft, WB Games, etc., are also based here. 

Furthermore, Montreal is also considered to be a breeding ground for numerous successful tech firms, like CGI, Hopper, Nuvei, etc. This city also hosts numerous notable start-up-focused events. Also, Quebec also grants strong academic support for tech industries, with over 18,000 students enrolled in tech programs across the city. 

  • Waterloo 

Waterloo is a dynamic tech hub that houses over 1,570 tech-related businesses, like Blackberry, D2L, etc. The city ranks among the top 20 start-up ecosystems worldwide.  

Looking into the future, the city has a strong academic influence from the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, & Wilfrid Laurier University, which helps produce & develop a talented tech workforce locally. 

Moreover, the city also offers a high quality of life that attracts & retains newcomers in Canada in the global tech field. This is why Waterloo has double the global industry average survival rate for ICT start-ups. In addition, Waterloo is also a city that attracts significant venture capital investments, which speaks more to its stature as a growing Canadian tech hub. 

Efforts Of Canada To Attract Tech Workers 

Canada is putting in major efforts to attract global tech talent. 

This is being accomplished through the government’s new Tech Talent Strategy and category-based Express Entry draws. Both of them contribute to the growth of this sector across Canada by attracting greater numbers of skilled professionals in tech occupations across the country. 

Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy 

This initiative aims to continue building Canada’s progress towards becoming a global tech talent recruitment leader. This is done by: 

  • Developing an Innovation Stream under the IMP
  • Promoting Canada as a place for digital nomads
  • Improving existing programs that cater to professionals in high-skilled professions
  • Improving labor mobility in North America by creating work permits for H-1B specialty profession visa holders in the US 

Category-Based Express Entry Draws For Tech Occupations 

On June 28, IRCC began conducting category-based Express Entry draws for federal immigration applicants who align with Canada’s demographic & economic needs. This year, one of the six chosen categories is for immigration applicants with relevant work experience in STEM occupations. This aligns with the nation’s desire to admit more global tech talent to this country. 

In addition, on July 5, 2023, IRCC held one category-based draw for this group. During this draw, the department invited over 500 applicants with a minimum CRS score of 486 to apply for permanent residence in Canada.