NDP calls on Ford to fix broken OINP system

QUEEN’S PARK — The Ford government’s broken Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) continues to keep skilled global talent out of Ontario’s workforce at a time when it is sorely needed.

The Ontario NDP continues to pressure the Conservatives to finally invest in the program, and remove barriers faced by skilled global talent. MPPs Alexa Gilmour (Parkdale—High Park) and Kristyn Wong-Tam (Toronto Centre) pressed the issue with the government in today’s Question Period.

“Doug Ford’s jobs disaster is far-reaching, and some of the people most hurt are sitting right here in the gallery,” said Gilmour. “These skilled labourers were invited by this government to apply to the OINP. They followed every rule, paid their fee, and have been waiting more than a year for an answer that was supposed to come in 150 days.

“Their work permits are expiring, but we can ask the federal government to extend them. Their lives are on hold, their employers need them, their families are counting on them. When will the Labour Minister act to end the insufferable wait and save their jobs?”

"After inviting qualified skilled workers to apply for the OINP, this Premier then ignores them and their ready-to-hire employers for one, two and even three years,” said Wong-Tam. “My constituent, Vincent, is a construction supervisor with SKYGRiD that builds the much-needed homes in Ontario. Because of this government’s mismanagement and delays, his work permit has expired a year later.

"Vincent and his family are now without income and in the gallery with a question for the Premier; instead of blaming others, when will his government take responsibility, fix the OINP backlog and approve Vincent’s application?”

New Democrats continue to demand accountability from the Ford government over their jobs disaster.