Recent demographic statistics point toward a troubling reality for future economic growth in Canada.

Currently, immigration accounts for 70 per cent of labour force growth and will account for 100 per cent of labour force growth by 2011.

With a birth rate of just 1.5 children per woman -- an all-time low -- Canadian society is already beginning to feel the impact of a withering population. (A healthy replacement birth rate is 2.1 children per women.)

The lack of skilled workers -- and workforce members at any skill level -- is expected to reach a shortfall of 1.2 million by 2020.

A total of 78 per cent of Canada's work force is now between the ages of 40 and 69.

Statistics Canada reported in 2005 that an estimated 3.6 million workers were then within 10 years of retirement, 22.1 per cent of the entire labour force, the highest percentage ever. Just 10.3 per cent were within 10 years of retirement in 1986.

Earlier this year, the federal government introduced new reforms to the country's immigration policy.

The amendments will make it easier for deserving applicants to come to Canada and are aimed at ensuring this country continues to welcome skilled immigrants at increased levels for years to come. For our national immigration strategy to be effective, it must first and foremost meet the needs of this country. There will always be room for admission on compassionate grounds, but overall this policy aims to fast-track skilled immigrants who are now waiting up to six years for applications to be processed.

Last week, the federal government took an additional step toward addressing Canada's labour crisis.

Starting in October, temporary foreign workers and international students who graduate from a Canadian university or college will be allowed to apply for permanent resident status from within Canada under a new immigration class.

Currently, people on work permits or study visas in Canada have to apply for permanent residency outside Canada. The new program would let them wait for the processing of their applications while working or studying here.

This measure aims to ensure Canada retains the best and the brightest who come to this country to access our first class education system.

Foreign students will now know ahead of time that they will be fast-tracked for Canadian citizenship after completing their education. By throwing out the welcome mat and making it easier for Canadian-educated immigrants to become full fledged citizens, the government is taking an important step toward addressing this country's impending labour crisis.

But more needs to be done to address the accreditation gap, especially for skilled and educated immigrants already in this country and struggling to find meaningful work in their fields of expertise.