CEOs and business leaders on the COMPAS business panel were asked for their views of foreign worker programs in the wake of the Alberta government’s suspension of its own programs. Panelists are divided about the merits of Alberta’s decision, attributing it in part to a slowing Canadian economy.

Most panelists perceive foreign worker programs as benefiting Canada’s economy by allowing the economy to get the most out of skilled workers. Despite their enthusiasm for foreign workers and their support for foreign workers programs, panelists acknowledge several challenges associated with their hiring—in descending order, verifying credentials, adequate grasp of one of Canada’s official language, verifying skills, and cultural adaptation (e.g. treatment of women in the workplace, treatment of subordinates).

These are the key findings from this past week’s Internet survey of CEOs and business leaders on the COMPAS panel. The weekly business survey is undertaken for Canadian Business magazine under sponsorship of BDO Dunwoody LLP.

View / Download complete poll in PDF