“The transportation sector is crucial to our economy, and if we want to keep things moving, we need to invest in the people that move travelers and transport our goods,” stated Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez. “With this new initiative, we are helping address a critical skills shortage while also attracting new, talented people to communities across Canada. Truck drivers, pilots, aviation mechanical engineers, and seafarers play a critical role in our economy and Canadians’ lives. Filling vacancies in these professions will boost economic growth and create stronger and more resilient supply chains.”

During the summer, there was an increase in Express Entry draws compared to previous years, primarily due to the introduction of category-based selection rounds of invitations. However, the program witnessed a pause in draws until this week, with the last draw occurring on August 15, where 4,300 candidates received ITAs in an all-program draw. IRCC has not provided an official explanation for this hiatus.