Celebrating the Economic Contributions of Foreign Workers in Canada's Economy
Canada Day is quickly approaching, and now is the perfect time to recognize the incredible impact that foreign workers bring to our national economy. These international talents don’t just fill jobs – their hard work and dedication to their craft create opportunities and drive innovation across all sectors.
As the Canadian population continues to age and birth rates decline, foreign workers play an even more critical role in ensuring Canada’s continued prosperity and role as an economic superpower.
The statistics tell a compelling story, but behind each number is an individual who has traveled thousands of kilometers to contribute their skills and knowledge to our economy – and it’s time we celebrate those efforts!
Foreign Workers Are Powering Key Industries Across Canada's Economy
Foreign workers have become a crucial part of nearly every sector of Canada's economy. Far from just filling temporary gaps, these workers bring unique expertise that forms the backbone for Canada’s most critical industries:
Healthcare Heroes
The healthcare sector employs more than 1.9 million people across Canada and is becoming increasingly reliant on the talents of foreign workers.
These workers fill key roles, from doctors and nurses to personal support workers and lab technicians. Their valuable skills and diverse perspectives enhance patient care – especially in rural and remote communities where recruitment challenges are particularly acute.
Keeping Canada Moving
Did you know that nearly 34% of all transportation sector workers in Canada are immigrants? That’s a remarkable statistic that shows just how important they are to keeping our country’s (and the globe's) supply chains functioning efficiently.
During recent supply chain disruptions, these supply chain and transport professionals demonstrated incredible resilience, and they often worked long hours to keep essential goods flowing to Canadian communities.
Building Canada's Future
In the construction industry, more than 20% of the workforce consists of foreign workers, and nearly 23% of all residential builders and general contractors are born outside of Canada. The construction sector continues to face chronic labor shortages, making the contributions of foreign workers all the more valuable.
These skilled tradespeople are quite literally building our nation's future. They’re hard at work constructing the homes, infrastructure, and commercial spaces to support the Canadian population.
Fostering Innovation and Growth
We’ve looked at how foreign workers impact the immediate labor shortages, but these talented individuals are also helping drive innovation and entrepreneurship. Here are a few stats that show just how critical foreign workers are to Canada’s competitiveness at home and abroad:
More than one-third of people working in scientific research and development services were born outside of Canada
Immigrants account for 32% of all business owners with paid staff
Foreign workers often bring new perspectives that spark creativity and fresh approaches to business challenges
International experience provides valuable global connections that help Canadian businesses expand into new markets
The Human Element: More Than Just Workers
While the economic contributions of foreign workers are impressive, we leave out a major part of the story if we only look at output. We must also remember that these individuals are people – and they are people who have made significant sacrifices to build a better life in Canada.
In fact, many of them have left behind family, friends, and more to contribute to our economy. These sacrifices leave them facing difficulties that can be overlooked by many of us who were born or have lived here our whole lives:
Adapting to a new culture and work environment
Navigating complex immigration requirements
Building new social and professional networks
Accessing appropriate healthcare and support services
Planning for their long-term future in Canada
Supporting Foreign Worker Health and Success
At FWCHP, we recognize that the continued contribution of foreign workers to our economy depends on their health and well-being. That's why we've developed comprehensive health coverage solutions specifically designed for the unique needs of this workforce.
Proper health coverage for foreign workers isn't just the right thing to do. For businesses that rely on foreign workers to fill their teams, coverage is a strategic investment that protects workers and the businesses that rely on them.
When foreign workers have access to:
Immediate coverage upon arrival in Canada
Comprehensive medical and prescription benefits
Mental health support
Emergency services
Preventive care options
...they can focus on what they do best: contributing their talents to Canada's economic growth and prosperity. That’s an ROI well worth the investment.
Let’s Build a Stronger, Diverse Canada Together
As we celebrate the contributions of foreign workers to Canada's economy, let's also commit to supporting their success.
When we can value these individuals as valuable team members – and give them the help they need to thrive – we’re not just helping individuals and their families. We're investing in Canada's continued economic growth and prosperity.
Ready to learn more about supporting your foreign workers with comprehensive health coverage? Contact our dedicated team at FWCHP today to discover how we can help you protect your most valuable asset: your people.
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
