AUSTRALIAN IMMIGRATION NEWS

Canada and Australia face similar challenges; Canadian PM

Tuesday, 11 September 2007

Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, has addressed Australia’s government - where he outlined shared challenges and opportunities that the two countries face.

Stephen Harper and Australian Prime Minister John Howard see each other as political allies – indeed Prime Minister Harper views Mr. Howard as somewhat of a mentor. Mr. Harpers' comments serve to strengthen relations between the two countries.

Canada and Australia have very similar economic bases. Both are resource rich, have tremendously diversified economies with strong financial and technology sectors, both are facing increased competition from China and India, and both are experiencing severe skills shortages that are being addressed through skilled immigration.

Kevin Rudd, Australia's opposition leader, said that both Canada and Australia have been permanently enriched by immigration.

Neither country can afford to be complacent in the face of increased global competition. If Canada and Australia are to continue their strong economic growth, they will have to work hard to address their labour shortages and ensure that they have a diversified economic base on which to draw strength.