Ontario stands at a turning point in its economic growth journey. The province has long been a hub for innovation, research, and technology, with world-class universities, a skilled workforce, and thriving cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Waterloo, and Hamilton fueling its momentum. But now, there is an even greater opportunity on the horizon, one that could transform Ontario into a global magnet for top-tier talent and cutting-edge companies.

Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, announced in 2023, currently allows 10,000 H-1B visa holders from the United States to apply for open work permits. The response from tech professionals was overwhelming; within 48 hours, all 10,000 spots were filled. This showed both the extraordinary demand from skilled workers looking for stability in Canada and the global competition for top tech talent.

If Canada wants to lead in the digital economy, we must scale this program. Instead of 10,000, we should aim for at least 50,000 H-1B holders annually. Ontario, working in close collaboration with the federal administration, can play a leading role in shaping policies and programs that maximize this opportunity. By doing so, the province would not only attract talent but also encourage major U.S. firms to invest here, create jobs, and strengthen our economy for the long run.

Why This Matters Now

The global race for talent has never been more intense. Countries like the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Singapore are all competing for the same pool of highly skilled professionals in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, and advanced manufacturing.

At the same time, U.S. immigration bottlenecks,especially around the H-1B visa program, have left many highly skilled workers uncertain about their future. Every year, hundreds of thousands of talented engineers and developers apply for H-1B visas, but only a fraction are accepted. Even for those who do secure visas, long green card wait times and policy shifts make their careers precarious.

Canada’s relative openness, strong social infrastructure, and quality of life are already attractive. But to win the race for talent, we must act decisively and strategically.

How Ontario and the Federal Administration Can Lead

Expand the H-1B Open Work Permit Pathway
The federal government should raise the cap from 10,000 to 50,000 work permits. Ontario can advocate strongly for this increase, while also tailoring provincial nominee programs to absorb this wave of talent. By offering fast-track permanent residency options, Ontario can ensure that these workers see Canada not as a temporary stop, but as a long-term home.

Create Incentives for Canadian Tech Companies
Ontario’s homegrown companies should not only benefit from this influx of talent but also be empowered to grow. Targeted grants, R&D credits, and reduced payroll taxes for companies that hire H-1B holders could accelerate growth in sectors such as fintech, clean tech, health tech, and AI. This would also help smaller firms compete with global giants for talent.

Offer Tax Breaks to U.S. Firms Setting Up in Ontario
Many U.S. firms face challenges retaining their H-1B employees due to U.S. immigration restrictions. Ontario, with support from the federal administration, could position itself as a “nearshore” solution by offering tax incentives, streamlined incorporation processes, and access to innovation clusters. For example, a Silicon Valley firm struggling with H-1B caps could open an Ontario office, retain its talent, and continue serving the U.S. market seamlessly.

Invest in Infrastructure and Housing
Attracting 50,000 highly skilled workers also means ensuring they have affordable housing, strong transit connections, and access to top schools and healthcare. Ontario’s success in retaining this talent depends not just on work opportunities but on creating livable communities. This requires collaboration between provincial, federal, and municipal governments to expand housing supply and improve urban planning.

Strengthen Education and Training Links
Ontario universities and colleges should deepen partnerships with both Canadian and U.S. tech companies to create co-op programs, training pipelines, and certification initiatives. This will ensure that the international talent coming in can integrate smoothly with local graduates, creating a balanced workforce ecosystem.

Promote Ontario as a Global Tech Hub
Beyond policy, Ontario needs a marketing push. The province should brand itself internationally as the best place for skilled workers to build a career and for firms to grow globally. Campaigns highlighting Ontario’s diverse culture, stable economy, and innovation-friendly environment would resonate with workers and firms alike.

The Win-Win Equation

This opportunity truly represents a win-win scenario:

For Canada and Ontario: We gain thousands of highly skilled professionals who can immediately contribute to the economy, pay taxes, and innovate.

For U.S. firms: They retain employees without losing institutional knowledge, as their talent can continue working from Canada.

For workers: They gain stability, career opportunities, and a chance to build a long-term life in a country that values their contributions.

The multiplier effect is substantial. Every skilled tech worker creates additional demand for jobs in education, housing, healthcare, and services. Beyond economics, this initiative strengthens Ontario’s position as a forward-looking, globally connected province ready to lead in the knowledge economy.

Conclusion

Ontario and the federal administration have a rare chance to make history. By advocating for an expanded Tech Talent Strategy and implementing measures to attract and retain global talent, Canada can secure its future as one of the world’s premier tech destinations.

The U.S. immigration system has created an opening, but that window will not stay open forever. Other countries are already moving aggressively. If Ontario and the federal administration act now, with vision and determination, we can not only bring world-class talent to our province but also lay the foundation for decades of innovation, prosperity, and global leadership.

This is not just about filling jobs. It is about building Ontario’s future.