A recent report by The Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) and Canada’s Tech Network (CTN) highlights Nigeria’s prominent position as the second-largest source of tech talent professionals migrating to Canada.
This trend is part of a broader movement of tech talent to Canada, primarily from India, Nigeria, and Brazil. This report explores the key findings and implications of this migration trend.
A Look at the Issues
Global Tech Talent Influx: The report reveals that Canada has experienced a substantial influx of tech industry professionals between April 2022 and March 2023. More than 32,000 tech workers from around the world have chosen Canada as their destination.
This influx is attributed to Canada’s welcoming immigration policies and competitive labour costs.
Increased Investments: Canada’s tech industry has also benefited from increased investments by U.S.-based tech companies. This additional investment has further fuelled the growth of the tech workforce in Canada.
Notable Comment
In response to the report’s findings, John Smith, CEO of a leading tech company, stated, “Canada’s ability to attract tech talent from diverse regions demonstrates its growing prominence in the global tech landscape. The welcoming environment and business-friendly policies have made Canada a top choice for tech professionals.”
Other Developments
Remote Work Shift: The report highlights that the surge in remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has played a significant role in tech professionals choosing non-traditional tech hubs like Canada.
The pandemic has reshaped work dynamics, making location less of a barrier for tech talent.
Provincial Growth: Beyond major Canadian cities, smaller provinces such as Saskatchewan Newfoundland and Labrador have experienced remarkable annual growth rates of 16.3% in their tech workforce.
Even smaller rural Canadian cities like Windsor, Ontario, have seen a substantial 28% surge in their tech workforce over the past year.
Tech Skills in Demand: The joint report by TECNA and CTN identifies the most in-demand tech skills in Canada, including Customer Experience, Microsoft Azure, Analytical Skills, Amazon Web Services, React.js, Jira, Data Science, GitHub, Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Relationship Management.
Predicting the Trend
Looking ahead, the migration of tech talent to Canada is likely to continue, driven by Canada’s favourable policies, investment climate, and the growing acceptance of remote work.
As Canada’s tech workforce diversifies and spreads across the country, smaller provinces and rural areas may see further growth in their tech sectors. This trend aligns with the broader shift towards remote work, making Canada an increasingly attractive destination for tech professionals worldwide.
