On November 24, Ontario Premier Doug Ford shifted the blame to the Federal government for the sudden return of thousands of Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Express Entry Skilled Trades applications, causing an emotional uproar among skilled workers in the province.
Hundreds of skilled workers who followed all the rules, waited for years, and lost legal status found their applications canceled abruptly. This led to protests outside Queen’s Park as these workers expressed their grievances.
During the question period, opposition MPPs raised concerns about the canceled applications and the impact on workers who had been waiting for decisions for over two years, losing their work permits and jobs in the process.
One worker highlighted is Ruhan, who arrived in Ontario in 2018, completed advanced college programs, and worked in critical sectors like defense and nuclear. When his work permit expired while waiting for a decision, he had to leave his job abruptly.
Opposition members accused the government of prioritizing well-connected applicants over rule-abiding skilled trades workers, demanding a review of each returned application to ensure fairness.
The Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development pointed to federal cuts in the OINP allocation, stating that Ontario’s nomination spots for permanent residence were reduced by 50%, affecting processing times and competition for slots.
Subsequently, Doug Ford blamed the federal government for the crisis, emphasizing that immigration falls under federal jurisdiction. He mentioned that he had engaged with protesting workers and highlighted the need for Ottawa to address the situation promptly.
In summary, the controversy surrounding the OINP Express Entry Skilled Trades applications underscores the challenges faced by skilled workers in Ontario, with political tensions rising between the provincial and federal governments.
